The genetic diversity and population structure of native horse breeds in Xinjiang, China
Tang C. Yang B. Dawulietihan G. Xue L. Liu S. Yalimaimaiti Y. Wang Q. Yang N. Sun X. Wang Y. Wumaier A. Khizat S. Assanbayev T. Kozhanov Z. Attokurov K. Obdunov E. Li H. Reheman A. Zhou X. Aizimu W. Iskhan K. Muhatai G.
2025Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Genetics
2025#16
Introduction: Xinjiang is a region renowned for its rich diversity of native horse breeds, making it one of the most affluent equine genetic resource areas in China. While prized for their high adaptability and tolerance to roughage, the conservation of these native breeds faces challenges from the introduction of external breeds and industrial changes. Furthermore, the unknown population structure of Xinjiang horse breeds has hindered effective conservation efforts. Methods: This study presents the first comprehensive Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis of seven Xinjiang native horse breeds. We utilized 10X whole-genome sequencing to assess their genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic relationships. Results: Our findings revealed a high level of population genetic diversity among the Xinjiang native horse breeds. These breeds exhibited significant genetic differentiation from other horse breeds originating from Europe, Central Asia, Western Asia, and other parts of China. Evidence of frequent historical gene flow was detected, particularly among breeds in northern Xinjiang, which were shown to be more closely related to each other. Discussion: This study elucidates the distribution patterns, evolutionary characteristics, and substantial genetic diversity of Xinjiang’s native horse breeds. The results provide crucial insights into their unique genetic background and population history. These findings offer valuable theoretical support for establishing core conservation groups of local germplasm, guiding future breeding programs for new cultivars, and further exploration of the characteristics inherent to Xinjiang’s native horse genetic resources. Copyright
genetic diversity , genetic resources conservation , native horse breed , population structure , whole genome sequencing
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
College of Life Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, Alar, China
Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, Alar, China
Agricultural (Animal Husbandry, Development Service in Tuerhong Township, Xinjiang, Fuyun, China
Animal Husbandry Workstation of Fuyun County, Xinjiang, Fuyun, China
Animal Husbandry Workstation of Balikun County, Balikun, Xinjiang, China
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Kalayagaqi Town, Yining, Xinjiang, China
Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Xinjiang, Alar, China
Physiology, Morphology and Biochemistry, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Zootechnology and Veterinary Medicine, Toraighyrov University, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan
Horse Breeding Department, Kazakh Research Institute of Livestock and Forage Production, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyzstan
College of Life Science and Technology
Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin
Agricultural (Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry Workstation of Fuyun County
Animal Husbandry Workstation of Balikun County
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Kalayagaqi Town
Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology
Physiology
Zootechnology and Veterinary Medicine
Horse Breeding Department
Osh State University
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026