E.G. Cothran1, J.L. Canelon2, C. Luis3, E. Conant1, and R. Juras1
1Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
2Lisandro Alvarado, Centro-Occidental University, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
3Museus da Politécnica, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Corresponding author: E.G. Cothran
E-mail: GCothran@cvm.tamu.edu
Genet. Mol. Res. 10 (4): 2394-2403 (2011)
Published October 7, 2011
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/2011.October.7.1
ABSTRACT
Various horse populations in the Americas have an origin in Spain; they are remnants of the first livestock introduced to the continent early in the colonial period (16th and 17th centuries). We evaluated genetic variability within the Venezuelan Criollo horse and its relationship with other horse breeds. We observed high levels of genetic diversity within the Criollo breed. Significant population differentiation was observed between all South American breeds. The Venezuelan Criollo horse showed high levels of genetic diversity, and from a conservation standpoint, there is no immediate danger of losing variation unless there is a large drop in population size.
Key words: Microsatellites; South America; Horse; Venezuelan Criollo.