Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with osteochondrosis dissecans in Warmblood horses at different stages of training

Abstract

The genetic background of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) has been studied for years, but the compatibility of the position of markers has not been reached between results, probably because of unknown additional effects that may influence the results, such as definition of the trait, gene–environmental interactions and the dynamics of trait development. The aim of the study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with the occurrence of OCD in Polish Warmblood sport breed horses in two different stages of training. Warmblood horses (87 stallions and 114 mares) were phenotyped and genotyped. Horses were X-rayed twice, at the beginning and at the end of the tests (100 days for stallions and 60 days for mares). Ten images per horse were collected using digital equipment for the fetlocks, stifles and hocks. The DNA was genotyped using the Illumina Neogen Equine Array. Statistical analysis included the Cochran–Armitage test and logistic regression assuming an additive model of inheritance. The Monte Carlo Markov Chain method was also applied to determine heritability coefficients. Nineteen and twenty SNP were identified that were significantly associated with OCD using logistic regression at the first and second stage of training, respectively. Four SNP were significant for both stages of training. The estimation of the heritability of a horse’s OCD status does not achieve the same level at different stages of training. The study on the genetic background of horse OCD should include as much detailed information on their training as possible.