Hair whorl patterns are usually used as a predictor of equine laterality, temperament and reactions to various environmental stimuli. Thus, temperament and motor laterality may be deducted in order to ease the daily work, training, handling and transportation of Thoroughbreds. We aimed to identify the number, position and orientation of hair whorl patterns to find the association between environment stimuli and the laterality, affability, trainability and anxiety of 81 individuals. We analyzed hair whorls with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) accompanied by a laterality paddock test and temperament questionnaire. All of our examined Thoroughbreds showed at least one circular whorl on their head. Mostly, the whorls were located on the top of the head. Compared to previous studies, the presence of linear whorls on the body was also high. We found that the counterclockwise head and clockwise whorls were associated with left and right front leg preference (p < 0.001).

The aim of this study was to identify SNPs in the cattle genome associated with estimated breeding values of feet (EBVfeet) in Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows in Hungary. Foot health is of major importance in dairy cattle industry whereas claw disorders are leading to lameness and thus result in low fertility rates and productivity. Genotyping was performed using the EuroG_MDv4 microarray platform. The final database comprised 2963 animals and 59,151 SNPs. EBVfeet values have been divided into high and low groups. All calculations regarding the genetic differentiation (genome-wide and locus-specific) between high- and low-value groups for EBVfeet, linear regression, and haplotype association tests have been performed with the SNP and Variation Suite software. Thirty-nine SNPs associated with EBVfeet were determined on BTAs 3, 7, 8, 15, 21, and X. The maximum values of the identified SNPs were 0.22 for Fst_marker, 23.1 for the -log10(p) of the linear regression, and 26.3 for the -log10(p) of the haplotype association tests on BTA 3. The closest genes to SNPs associated with estimated breeding values for feet (EBVfeet) are mainly associated with tissue structure, immune response, metabolism, growth, development, transport and signaling. Our results could add additional information to the genetic programs focusing on the improvement of foot health in HF cattle.

A tanulmány célja azoknak az SNP-knek az azonosítása volt a szarvasmarha-genomban, amelyek összefüggésbe hozhatók magyarországi holstein-fríz (HF) tehenek láb és lábvégekre vonatkozó becsült tenyészértékével (TÉláb). A lábak, ill. lábvégek egészségi állapota kiemelt jelentőségű a tejelő szarvasmarhatenyésztésben, mivel a patabetegségek sántasághoz vezetnek, ami alacsony termékenységi arányt és termelékenységet eredményez. A hazai Holstein-fríz Tenyésztők Egyesülete (HTE) HF teheneket genotipizáltatott Eurogenomics (EuroG_MDv4) chipen. A végleges adatbázis 2963 állatot és 59 151 SNP-t tartalmazott. Az TÉláb értékeket magas és alacsony csoportokra osztottuk és az ezek közötti genetikai differenciálódásra (genomszintű és lókusz-specifikus) vonatkozó összes számítást, a lineáris regressziót és a haplotípus-asszociációs teszteket a SNP and Variation Suite (SVS) szoftverrel végeztük. A TÉláb vonatkozásában 39 kapcsolt SNP-t határoztunk meg a BTA 3, 7, 8, 15, 21 és X kromoszómákon. Az azonosított SNP-k maximális értékei 0,22 voltak az Fst_marker esetében, 23,1 a lineáris regresszió −log10(p) értéke esetében, és 26,3 a BTA 3-on végzett haplotípus-asszociációs tesztek −log10(p) értéke esetében. A lábak becsült tenyészértékével (TÉláb) összefüggő SNP-khez legközelebb álló gének főként a szövetek szerkezetéhez, az immunválaszhoz, az anyagcseréhez, a fejlődéshez, a transzportfolyamatokhoz és a jelátvitelhez kapcsolódnak. Eredményeink hozzájárulhatnak azon tenyésztési programok sikeréhez, amelyek a HF szarvasmarhák lábegészségének javítására összpontosítanak.

Vizsgálatunk célja a szőrforgók számának, elhelyezkedésének és forgási irányának feltérképezése volt, valamint ezek asszociációs vizsgálata a neurofunkcionális lateralitással és temperamentumbeli jellemzőkkel, harmincegy hazai, tréningben álló angol telivér esetében. Az angol telivérek szőrforgóinak gyakorisági elemzését R Statistical Software 4.3.0 programmal végeztük. A fenotípusos jellemzők, a viselkedés és a lateralitás közötti kapcsolatot karámteszttel és prevalidált temperamentum-kérdőívvel vizsgáltuk. Minden ló legalább egy cirkuláris szőrforgóval rendelkezett a fején. A szőrforgók száma pozitív korrelációt mutatott az idomíthatósággal és a barátságossággal, de nem mutatott összefüggést a szorongási faktorokkal. A forgásirány szignifikáns kapcsolatban állt a lábpreferenciával.

The primary objective of any conservation breeding program is to preserve the genetic diversity of populations. This objective is a persistent challenge, especially in small populations which are prone to loss of heterozygosity. In this study, we proposed a novel parent-selection strategy aimed at the long-term maintenance of high levels of genetic diversity. Our approach is based on estimating the Probability of Offspring Heterozygosity (POH)—the likelihood that a mating will produce heterozygous offspring—using SNP genotype data. This strategy was evaluated through computer simulations, where parental pairs with the highest POH values were preferentially selected to produce the next generation. Simulations explored the effects of varying the number of breeding pairs, and the number of unlinked SNP markers. Selection based on POH resulted in observed heterozygosity (HOBS) consistently exceeding expected heterozygosity (HEXP), a trend that was sustained for up to 1000 generations. While further evaluation is needed within more complex population genetic frameworks—accounting for linkage disequilibrium, recombination, optimal contribution, and phenotypic selection—our findings highlight the potential of POH as a valuable tool for enhancing genetic diversity in conservation breeding programs.

Our genome-wide association study identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with estimated breeding values (EBVs) for udder traits and longevity in Holstein-Friesian cows. While no SNP was individually associated with multiple EBVs, the functional profiles of the associated genes revealed overlapping biological processes across traits, including cell signaling, transcription regulation, immune response, metabolism, and cellular maintenance. Notably, nearby SNPs BTB-01738708 and ARS-BFGL-NGS-111478 were associated with EBVlongevity and EBVudder and located near numerous genes, including GPR85, BMT2, IFRD1, and DOCK4, suggesting a potential for shared genetic influence on these traits. Our findings provide insights into the complex genetic architecture of these economically important traits and highlight the need for further research, including fine-mapping and functional genomics, to elucidate the specific variants and their effects.

In this study, 1,616,549 Holstein-Friesian females were genotyped for genomic evaluation of genetic merit (BVGenomic). Genotyping was performed using the EuroGenomics MD v3.0 chipset on the Illumina microarray scanner platform operated by an accredited Illumina laboratory. In addition, international and national reference populations were used for traditional BLUP breeding value (BV) estimation for both individuals (BVBLUP) and parents (BVPedigree). A single-step BLUP animal model was used for this estimation. A sample of 190 first lactation progeny cows from a single herd, reared and kept under consistent environmental conditions, was used to validate the three types of BV estimation methods. Correlation and regression analysis were used to study the association between the phenotypic performance and the results of three different estimation models. The average production of the 305-day standard lactation was 10,910.5 kg milk, 397.86 kg butterfat and 365.33 kg protein. Comparative analyses showed that BVBLUP had the highest accuracy, followed by BVGenomic, while BVPedigree was the least reliable, R2 = 0.37 to 0.48; 0.09 to 0.23; 0.02 to 0.06, respectively.

The Angus cattle population of Hungary was categorized into four groups using 12 microsatellite markers exhibiting notable genetic variations. Moreover, some traits influencing the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle farming were compared between groups. Data were obtained from 5075 cows (born between 1990–2020) and 19 142 calves (born between 1997–2023), including 10 629 bull calves and 8513 heifer calves of different genetic backgrounds. Genetic groups were distinguished by origin, color, size, and type: blue group (BG), red group (RG), green group (GG), and yellow group (YG). The six investigated traits were age at first calving (AFC), productive lifespan (PL), number of calves born (NCB), culling age (AGE), birth weight (BW), and the 205 d adjusted weaning weight (WW). The averages of the six tested traits were as follows: AFC – 2.35 ± 0.54 years; NCB – 5.89 ± 3.69 heads; PL – 6.85 ± 4.13 years; AGE – 9.2 ± 4.26 years; BW – 29.4 ± 4.28 kg; and WW – 176.9 ± 44.07 kg. YG excelled in terms of NCB, PL, AGE, and WW traits, while RG performed best in terms of AFC and BW. BG displayed the lowest performance across NCB, PL, AGE, BW, and WW. The heavier Red Angus individuals were largely behind the performance of the traditional-type, smaller British-type Black and Red Angus individuals in the tested traits affecting sustainability and profitability. Significant reproduction and longevity trait differences exist among different genetic groups of Angus beef cattle genotyped by DNA microsatellite information. The results indicated significant differences in terms of the performance of different Angus types with regard to the tested traits. These findings could be useful in developing breeding concepts and making selection decisions, contributing to more efficient and sustainable breeding strategies.

OBJECTIVE:This study aims to investigate the genetic structure and characteristics of the Angus cattle population in Hungary. The survey was performed with the assistance of the Hungarian Hereford, Angus, Galloway Association (HHAGA). METHODS:Genetic parameters of 1,369 animals from 16 Angus herds were analyzed using the genotyping results of 12 microsatellite markers with the aid of PowerMarker, Genalex, GDA-NT2021, and STRUCTURE software. Genotyping of DNA was performed using an automated genetic analyzer. Based on pairwise identity by state values of animals, the Python networkx 2.3 library was used for network analysis of the breed and to identify the central animals. RESULTS:The observed numbers of alleles on the 12 loci under investigation ranged from 11 to 18. The average effective number of alleles was 3.201. The overall expected heterozygosity was 0.659 and the observed heterozygosity was 0.710. Four groups were detected among the 16 Angus herds. The breeders' information validated the grouping results and facilitated the comparison of birth weight, age at first calving, number of calves born and productive lifespan data between the four groups, revealing significant differences. We identified the central animals/herd of the Angus population in Hungary. The match of our group descriptions with the phenotypic data provided by the breeders further underscores the value of cooperation between breeders and researchers. CONCLUSION:The observation that significant differences in the measured traits occurred among the identified groups paves the way to further enhancement of breeding efficiency. Our findings have the potential to aid the development of new breeding strategies and help breeders keep the Angus populations in Hungary under genetic supervision. Based on our results the efficient use of an upcoming genomic selection can, in some cases, significantly improve birth weight, age at first calving, number of calves born and the productive lifespan of animals.

This study aimed to find SNPs that have an effect on the estimated breeding values (EBVs) of milk (MY), fat (FY), and protein yield (PY) of Holstein Friesian cows in Hungary. Holstein Friesian cows (n = 2963) were genotyped on a Eurogenomics (EuroG_MDv4) chip. The EBVs for MY, FY, and PY were obtained from the Association of Hungarian Holstein Breeders (AHHB). The loci associated with the EBVs were identified via three approaches: the calculation of genetic distance of the SNPs (Fst_marker), linear regression, and haplotype association tests. Nine SNPs were significantly associated with MY, FY, and PY located on BTA 2, 5, 28, and X. Among the nine SNPs identified, BTB-00219372 on BTA 5 had a positive β coefficient for MY and a negative β coefficient for FY and PY. In addition, BovineHD3000027615 on BTA X had a positive β coefficient for both MY and PY, as well as a negative β coefficient for FY. The identified SNPs were located near several genes that remain unstudied in cattle, which are potential targets for closer scrutiny in relation to milk properties. The markers associated with two or three EBVs could be used in selection with high efficiency to accelerate genetic development and help AHHB experts achieve their breeding. Most marker effects point in the same direction on EBVs; however, we found that BTB-00219372 and BovineHD3000027615 could be used with caution to increase one EBV while decreasing the other EBV or EBVs.

The g.66493737C/T polymorphism of the myostatin gene (MSTN) majorly influences muscle fiber composition and best race distance of Thoroughbreds. Thus, a better understanding of this process may lead to superior genetic exploitation for maximizing Thoroughbred athletic potential. Our objective is to investigate whether myostatin genotypes are associated with muscular development and cardiac variables of Thoroughbreds. Echocardiography and muscular ultrasonography were performed on three groups having C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes, respectively. Each group consisted of 22 animals. Homogeneity of variance between the groups was checked by Levene's test. Multivariate analysis of variance was applied to determine differences in measured variables vs. MSTN genotypes. Fascicle length of anconeus and thickness of triceps brachii muscles showed significant differences between C/C and T/T genotypes (pFascicle-length-of-anconeus = 0.004, pthickness-of-triceps-brachii < 0.001). According to the primary outcome, there are associations between myostatin genotypes and cardiac variables. Aortic diameter at the sinus of Valsalva (end-diastole and end-systole) and aortic diameter at the valve (end-systole) indicated significant differences between C/C and T/T genotypes (paortic-diameter-at-the-sinus-of-Valsalva-end-diastole = 0.015, paortic-diameter-at-the-sinus-of-Valsalva-end-systole = 0.011, paortic-diameter-at-the-valve-end-systole = 0.014). Pearson correlation effect sizes were rFascicle-length-of-anconeus = 0.460, rthickness-of-triceps-brachii = 0.590, raortic-diameter-at-the-sinus-of-Valsalva-end-diastole = 0.423, raortic-diameter-at-the-sinus-of-Valsalva-end-systole = 0.450, and raortic-diameter-at-the-valve-end-systole = 0.462. C/C genotypes gave 22.1, 12.2, 6.3, 6.0, and 6.7% higher values compared to T/T genotypes, respectively. Differences regarding aortic diameter between genotype groups support the hypothesis that C/C animals have consequently increased cardiac output and aerobic capacity.

BACKGROUND:To enhance and extend the knowledge about the global historical and phylogenetic relationships between Merino and Merino-derived breeds, 19 populations were genotyped with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip specifically for this study, while an additional 23 populations from the publicly available genotypes were retrieved. Three complementary statistical tests, Rsb (extended haplotype homozygosity between-populations), XP-EHH (cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands were applied to identify genomic variants with potential impact on the adaptability of Merino genetic type in two contrasting climate zones.RESULTS:The results indicate that a large part of the Merino's genetic relatedness and admixture patterns are explained by their genetic background and/or geographic origin, followed by local admixture. Multi-dimensional scaling, Neighbor-Net, Admixture, and TREEMIX analyses consistently provided evidence of the role of Australian, Rambouillet and German strains in the extensive gene introgression into the other Merino and Merino-derived breeds. The close relationship between Iberian Merinos and other South-western European breeds is consistent with the Iberian origin of the Merino genetic type, with traces from previous contributions of other Mediterranean stocks. Using Rsb and XP-EHH approaches, signatures of selection were detected spanning four genomic regions located on Ovis aries chromosomes (OAR) 1, 6 and 16, whereas two genomic regions on OAR6, that partially overlapped with the previous ones, were highlighted by ROH islands. Overall, the three approaches identified 106 candidate genes putatively under selection. Among them, genes related to immune response were identified via the gene interaction network. In addition, several candidate genes were found, such as LEKR1, LCORL, GHR, RBPJ, BMPR1B, PPARGC1A, and PRKAA1, related to morphological, growth and reproductive traits, adaptive thermogenesis, and hypoxia responses.CONCLUSIONS:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive dataset that includes most of the Merino and Merino-derived sheep breeds raised in different regions of the world. The results provide an in-depth picture of the genetic makeup of the current Merino and Merino-derived breeds, highlighting the possible selection pressures associated with the combined effect of anthropic and environmental factors. The study underlines the importance of Merino genetic types as invaluable resources of possible adaptive diversity in the context of the occurring climate changes.

Összefoglalás. Célkitűzés: Miosztatin (MSTN) genotípusok összefüggés-vizsgálata izomfejlődéssel és cardiovascularis paraméterekkel angol telivérekben. Módszer: Három, MSTN-genotipizált csoportban echokardiográfiát és izomultrahangot végeztünk. Adatainkat SPSS 15.0 szoftverrel elemeztük. Eredmények: A C/C csoport mért izomvastagságai 22,08 (p = 0,004) és 12,24 (p < 0,001) %-kal; a cardiovascularis rendszeré 6,33 (p = 0,015), 6,03 (p = 0,011) és 6,72 (p = 0,014) %-kal magasabb volt, mint a T/T genotípusnál. Pearson-féle R: anconeus pólyahossz r = 0,460; triceps r = 0,590; aorta Valsalva-öböl diasztolé r = 0,423, szisztolé r = 0,450, billentyűk síkjában szisztolé r = 0,462. Következtetések: Az eredmények hozzájárulnak a galopplovak hatékony tréningmódszereinek kidolgozásához, így jelentősen befolyásolható eredményességük. Summary. Background: The myostatin gene (MSTN; g.66493737) C/T polymorphism has great influence on the development of the muscles and the rates between the types of muscle fibers as well as cardiovascular performance in thoroughbred horses. Consequently MSTN gene decisively determines the optimal race distance and racing ability in thoroughbreds through the muscle development regulation. A more detailed understanding of these genetic attributions and their associations leads us to be able to maximise the athletic potential of thoroughbreds. Objective: In this paper the relationships were investigated between the MSTN genotypes and muscle development or the main cardiovascular parameters which affect or define the cardiac performance of thoroughbreds. Methods: Ultrasonography and echocardiography was performed on each individual selected for our study. Sixty-six thoroughbreds were applied in each measurement (22 of each genotype, C/C, C/T and T/T). All of them participated at different races or were trained at the same time in Hungary. A portable MyLab™ ultrasound system (Alfa-Vet, Animal Healthcare Ltd.) was used for the measurements. To investigate the development of the candidate muscles the size of the anconaeous and triceps brachii muscles were used as indicators. The length of the mentioned muscles was given by the size of the total length of the muscle fascia (m. fasciae anconeus and m. fasciae triceps brachii). Thickness was measured at the largest anatomical diameter of the muscles. To characterize the cardiovascular system, the diameter of the Valsalva sinus of the aorta was measured at the end of diastole and systole, respectively, as well as the diameter of the aorta in the plane of the semilunar valves. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 15.0 for Windows software. Homogeneity of variance between groups was checked with Levene’s test and multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the correlations between the measured variables and the myostatin genotypes. Results According to our measurements relationship was detected between individual myostatin genotypes, muscular development and cardiovascular parameters of the thoroughbreds. The muscle thickness and fascicle length of group C/C of MSTN showed significant differences compared to group T/T. Aortic diameter at the sinus of Valsalva (end-diastole and end-systole) and aortic diameter at the valve (end-systole) also indicated significant differences between C/C and T/T genotypes too. The thickness of the two muscles (anconaeous and triceps brachii) in the group C/C was 2.08 (p=0.004) and 12.24 (p<0.001) % higher; and of the parameters of cardiovascular system were 6.33 (p=0.015), 6.03 (p=0.011) and 6.72 (p=0.014) % greater, respectively, than in the T/T genotypes. Conclusions: The results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of MSTN genetic variations on phenotypes, which help to develop new, effective training methods for racehorses in order to prepare them for their best race distance according to their genotypes. Thus, the competitive performance and racing ability of thoroughbreds can be improved significantly.

Studies of wild boar, Sus scrofa Linnaeus 1758, in urban and suburban areas of Budapest, Hungary, have indicated that these populations do not have continuous contact. Based on the assumption that the city has a discrete population, we hypothesized that the urban wild boar would differ genetically from those in suburban areas. Analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data using the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) Porcine 50 K system (Neogen, Scotland, UK) differentiated three populations: Buda (B) from the Western bank of the Danube; Buda Surrounding (BS); and Valkó (V) from the Eastern bank of the Danube. The coefficient of genetic differentiation (FST) for the B and BS populations was low. The inbreeding coefficients of the populations BS and V were close to zero, while population B had a high positive value reflecting the influence of founders and the inbreeding of the continuous urban population. The genome regions that were most differentiated between the B and BS populations were analyzed based on the FST values of the SNP markers using a mixed linear multi-locus model and BayeScan software. The most differentiated marker, WU_10.2_18_56278226, was found on chromosome 18. The surrounding region contained several candidate genes that could play important roles in adaptations related to human-induced stress. Two of these, encoding the adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1) and inhibin beta A chain precursor (INHBA) genes, were sequenced. While IHBA gene did not display variation, the allele distribution of the ADCY1 gene in the B population was significantly different from that of the BS population supporting the parapatric differentiation of wild boar.

The aim of this study was to determine the breed boundary of the Hungarian Short-haired Vizsla (HSV) dog breed. Seventy registered purebred HSV dogs were genotyped on approximately 145,000 SNPs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Admixture analysis certified that they belong to the same population. The outer point of the breed demarcation was a single Hungarian Wire-haired Vizsla (HWV) individual, which was the closest animal genetically to the HSV population in the PCA analysis. Three programs were used for the breed assignment calculations, including the widely used GeneClass2.0 software and two additional approaches developed here: the 'PCA-distance' and 'IBS-central' methods. Both new methods calculate a single number that represents how closely a dog fits into the actual reference population. The former approach calculates this number based on the PCA distances from the median of HSV animals. The latter calculates it from identity by state (IBS) data, measuring the distance from a central animal that is the best representative of the breed. Having no mixed-breed dogs with known HSV genome proportion, admixture animals were simulated by using data of HSV and HWV individuals to calibrate the inclusion/exclusion probabilities for the assignment. The numbers generated from these relatively simple calculations can be used by breeders and clubs to keep their populations under genetic supervision.

OBJECTIVE:In this study, we aimed to position the Hungarian Merino among other Merino-derived sheep breeds, explore the characteristics of our sampled animals' genetic similarity network within the breed, and highlight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with daily weight-gain. METHODS:Hungarian Merino (n = 138) was genotyped on Ovine SNP50 Bead Chip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) and positioned among 30 Merino and Merino-derived breeds (n = 555). Population characteristics were obtained via PLINK, SVS, Admixture, and Treemix software, within-breed network was analysed with python networkx 2.3 library. Daily weight gain of Hungarian Merino was standardised to 60 days and was collected from the database of the Association of Hungarian Sheep and Goat Breeders. For the identification of loci associated with daily weight gain, a multi-locus mixed-model was used. RESULTS:Supporting the breed's written history, the closest breeds to Hungarian Merino were Estremadura and Rambouillet (pairwise FST values are 0.035 and 0.036, respectively). Among Hungarian Merino, a highly centralised connectedness has been revealed by network analysis of pairwise values of identity-by-state, where the animal in the central node had a betweenness centrality value equal to 0.936. Probing of daily weight gain against the SNP data of Hungarian Merinos revealed five associated loci. Two of them, OAR8_17854216.1 and s42441.1 on chromosome 8 and 9 (-log10P>22, false discovery rate<5.5e-20) and one locus on chromosome 20, s28948.1 (-log10P = 13.46, false discovery rate = 4.1e-11), were close to the markers reported in other breeds concerning daily weight gain, six-month weight, and post-weaning gain. CONCLUSION:The position of Hungarian Merino among other Merino breeds has been determined. We have described the similarity network of the individuals to be applied in breeding practices and highlighted several markers useful for elevating the daily weight gain of Hungarian Merino.

To provide a cost-efficient parentage testing kit for red deer (Cervus elaphus), a 63 SNP set has been developed from a high-density Illumina BovineHD BeadChip containing 777 962 SNPs after filtering of genotypes of 50 stags. The successful genotyping rate was 38.6 % on the chip. The ratio of polymorphic loci among effectively genotyped loci was 6.5 %. The selected 63 SNPs have been applied to 960 animals to perform parentage control. Thirty SNPs out of the 63 had worked on the OpenArray platform. Their combined value of the probability of identity and exclusion probability was 4.9×10-11 and 0.99803, respectively. A search for loci linked with antler quality was also performed on the genotypes of the above-mentioned stags. Association studies revealed 14 SNPs associated with antler quality, where low-quality antlers with short and thin main beam antlers had values from 1 to 2, while high-quality antlers with long and strong main beams had values between 4 and 5. The chance for a stag to be correctly identified as having high-value antlers is expected to be over 88 %.

Thoroughbreds have been selected for speed and stamina since the 1700s. This selection resulted in structural and functional system-wide adaptations that enhanced physiological characteristics for outstanding speed of 61-71 kph (38-44 mph) between 1,000 and 3,200 m (5 furlongs - 2 miles). At present, horseracing is still an economically important industrial sector, therefore intensive research is underway to explore genes that allow the utilisation of genetic abilities and are significant in breeding and training. This study aims to provide an overview of genetic research and its applicability related to Thoroughbreds.

Lowland-type Racka is an indigenous sheep breed that beside Hungarian Grey cattle and Mangalitza pig is one of the national symbols of Hungary. However, the genetic description of Racka sheep has not yet been conducted based on whole-genome screening. By using the Geneseek Ovine SNP50 BeadChip, we have sampled the genome of 126 Black and 128 White Racka sheep. For comparative purposes, we used 134 Hungarian Merinos and further 3 345 animals from 81 different breeds have been included from an available database. Performance of a multidimensional scaling plot showed that White and Black Rackas represent well-separated groups among other sheep breeds and clustered separately from each other. However, the number and total length of Runs of Homozygosity was similar to other sheep breeds, except Soay. The inbreeding coefficients (method-of-moments relatedness F coefficient) of Black and White Racka were 0.147 and 0.133, respectively. Based on multidimensional scaling and admixture analyses and on comparisons of genetic distances of the investigated 84 populations, we suggest considering the colour variants of Racka as genetically differentiated breeds. The most differentiated markers between Black and White Racka highlight several candidate genes including 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 5A, Insulin Induced Gene 1, Cyclin Dependent Kinase 5 and Melanocortin 1 Receptor. The results of this study help the recognition of Racka as a unique genetic resource among sheep and pave the way of application of genome screens to guide the resolution of questions arising among breeders.

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on the estimated breeding value of Hungarian Grey (HG) bulls and to find markers associated with horn colour. Methods: Genotypes 136 HG animals were determined on Geneseek high-density Bovine SNP 150K BeadChip. A multi-locus mixed-model was applied for statistical analyses. Results: Six SNPs were identified to be associated (-log10P>10) with green and white horn. These loci are located on chromosome 1, 3, 9, 18, and 25. Seven loci (on chromosome 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 28) showed considerable association (-log10P>10) with the estimated breeding value. Conclusion: Analysis provides markers for further research of horn colour and supplies markers to achieve more effective selection work regarding estimated breeding value of HG.