About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Horse Cave population by year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population trend of Horse Cave.

Content

The dataset constitues the following datasets

• Horse Cave, KY Population Dataset: Yearly Figures, Population Change, and Percent Change Analysis

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Feral horses form relatively stable harems over time that are characterized by long-lasting bonds among their members, a characteristic that makes them an exceptional case of a social system among terrestrial ungulates. Their social system has been described as uniform despite the wide differences in their environment and demography. Horse populations subjected to human interference often show higher levels of population instability that can ultimately compromise their reproductive success. In this article, we describe demographic and dynamic changes of a Portuguese population of Garranos in Serra d’Arga (SA), which is impacted by human and predation pressures, over six breeding seasons. Furthermore, we tested several hypotheses related to the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on the structure and dynamics of this population. Our results revealed that the SA population had relatively little human interference at the start of the project in 2016. This was supported by the natural composition of the herd (total number of individuals, 206), which consisted of several single- and multi-male harems (n = 17 and 7, respectively) and bachelor males (n = 9). However, from 2017 to 2021, SA’s Garrano population suffered a drastic decline. Approximately two-thirds of the individuals and all bachelor males disappeared, and 76% of adult female transfers occurred after the death or disappearance of the harem male. Predatory pressures and poor management of the population, which allowed illegal human interference, contributed to this population crisis. A low population growth rate, reduced birth and foal survival rates, in addition to a delayed primiparous age were observed in this population and exacerbated after its drastic decline; suggesting the viability and survival of this Garrano population were compromised. Investigating the population demographic changes and their causes and consequences can provide guidelines for managing populations and help fight the extinction of horse breeds.

For small, isolated populations 2 common conservation concerns relate to genetic threats: inbreeding and negative consequences associated with loss of genetic diversity due to drift. Mitigating these threats often involves conservation actions that can be controversial, such as translocations or captive breeding programs. Although such actions have been successful in some situations, in others they have had undesirable outcomes. Here, we estimated the effective population size (N e) of the Sable Island horses to assess the risk to this population of these genetic threats. We found surprising consistency of N e estimates across the 5 different methods used, with a mean of 48 effective individuals. This estimate falls below the 50 criterion of the “50/500 rule,” below which inbreeding depression is a concern for population viability. However, simulations and knowledge of population history indicate that this population is still in its early stages of approaching equilibrium between mutation, drift, and genetic diversity; and no negative consequences have been identified that could be associated with inbreeding depression. Therefore, we do not recommend taking management action (such as translocations) at this stage. Rather, we propose continued monitoring of genetic diversity and fitness over time so that trends and any substantial changes can be detected. This represents one of the few unmanaged horse populations in the world, and therefore these data will not only alert us to serious concerns regarding their conservation status, but will also provide a wealth of information about how natural processes drive patterns of reproduction, mortality, and population growth over time.

As of June 2017, there were approximately 170 thousand horses in England. While Scotland has a higher population than Wales there were roughly ten thousand horses less in Scottish ownership.

Private horse ownership

In the UK, about 45 percent of all households owned pets in 2017/2018. However, horses and ponies just miss a spot in the top ten of favorite UK household animals as only 0.3 percent of UK households own one of these animals. Its estimated that roughly 200 thousand of all horses are owned pets. The top spot by household ownership and by number of owned animals in the UK goes to the dog.

The horse as an economic factor

Over 18 thousand enterprises raised horses and other equines in the UK in 2017. The overwhelming majority of these made less than 250 thousand British pounds in revenue. However, five companies had revenues over five million pounds. This is a higher revenue than was made in total with off course horse racing between April 2017 and March 2018 (4.3 million British pounds).

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Horse Cave population by age cohorts (Children: Under 18 years; Working population: 18-64 years; Senior population: 65 years or more). It lists the population in each age cohort group along with its percentage relative to the total population of Horse Cave. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution across children, working population and senior population for dependency ratio, housing requirements, ageing, migration patterns etc.

Key observations

The largest age group was 18 to 64 years with a poulation of 1,420 (60.48% of the total population). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age cohorts:

• Under 18 years
• 18 to 64 years
• 65 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age cohort for the Horse Cave population analysis. Total expected values are 3 groups ( Children, Working Population and Senior Population).
• Population: The population for the age cohort in Horse Cave is shown in the following column.
• Percent of Total Population: The population as a percent of total population of the Horse Cave is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Horse Cave Population by Age. You can refer the same here

1. The adult sex ratio (ASR) is important within ecology due to its predicted effects on behaviour, demography, and evolution, but research examining the causes and consequences of ASR bias have lagged behind studies of sex ratios at earlier life stages. Although ungulate ASR is relatively well-studied, exceptions to the usual female-biased ASR challenge our understanding of the underlying drivers of biased ASR, and provide an opportunity to better understand its consequences.

2. Some feral ungulate populations, including multiple horse populations, exhibit unusually male-biased ASR. For example, research suggests that the feral horse (Equus ferus caballus) population on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, may exhibit a male-biased ASR. Such exceptions to the rule provide a valuable opportunity to reveal the contributions of environmental context and trait differences to ASR bias.

3. We aimed to test for bias in Sable Island horse ASR, identify the demographic drivers of bias, and explore its demographic and social consequences. To do this, we used life-history, movement, and group membership information for hundreds of horses followed through a long-term individual-based study between 2007 and 2018.

4. Sable Island horse ASR is male-biased, and this skew has increased over time, reaching 62% male in 2018. Our life table response experiment suggested that ASR skew was driven predominantly by male-biased adult survival. Further analyses pointed to sex-biased survival being driven by reduced female survival post-reproduction. Male-biased ASR was associated with reduced harem sizes, an increase in the number of social groups on the island, and reduced reproduction in young females.

5. Our results support the idea that male-biased ASR in feral ungulate populations may be caused by a combination of high population density and high reproductive output. We suggest that female-biased mortality may be caused by females continuing to reproduce at high density, and thus being more susceptible to resource shortages. Thus, our results highlight the strong context-dependence of ASR. Furthermore, our work indicates the potential for ASR to substantially alter a population's social organisation. Such changes in social structure could have knock-on consequences for demography by altering the formation/stability of social relationships, or competition for matings.

The number of horses in South Africa amounted to almost 328 thousand as of 2021, the highest since 2010. Compared to the previous year, the horse population increased from nearly 325 thousand. Overall, the number of horses in the country increased annually from 300 thousand in 2010. Moreover, the number of horses slaughtered in South Africa amounted to 7.06 thousand in 2021.

Uttar Pradesh had the highest horse and pony population across India, at about 76 thousand in 2019. The number of horses and ponies across the country declined significantly by nearly 46 percent between 2012 and 2019.

Provides an overview of the origin of horses in Alberta, factors affecting feral horse population dynamics and a summary of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas' minimum count survey. This information sheet is one of five current-knowledge documents summarizing the state of information related to feral horse populations in Alberta. The documents were created by the Office of the Chief Scientist at the request of the Feral Horse Advisory Committee. The Office of the Chief Scientist provides independent scientific advice to address complex environmental challenges and opportunities Alberta faces.

It is believed that population structure of mountain horse breeds is preserved from any genetic introgression, because of their geographical isolation and specific semi-wild life style of husbandry. Till date there are no molecular data for the Balkan horses. In this study we try to give information about some autochthonous mountain horse breeds from Bulgaria. A total of 121 horses from three different mountain massifs are presented: Stara Planina (the Balkan mountain), the Rhodopes and Rila-Pirin massif were genotyped according to mitochondrial D-loop region. The results showed huge diversity of all known haplogroups with exception of C, F and R. West Eurasian haplogroups B, D, M and L were with the highest frequencies. Haplogroups A, J, I, O’P and Q were also observed with the highest frequencies, but not equally distributed among the three populations. Analyses of the horse breeds reveal preserved genetic profile of the Balkan and the Rhodopes mountains populations. In contrast, a Rila-Pirin breed unexpectedly showed mixed profile – a massive genetic introgression with an Asiatic-type haplogroups. A similar mixed Euro-Asiatic haplotype profile possessed the Carpathian mountain pony, although both populations are separated geographically and historically. The genetic pool of three Bulgarian mountain horse populations is highly heterogenic and because of that these breeds should be preserved.

STRUCTURE remains the most applied tool aimed at recovering the true, but unknown, population structure from observed microsatellite data or other genetic markers. About 30% of STRUCTURE-based studies could not be reproduced (Gilbert et al., 2012). Here we use a large set of data from 2323 horses from 93 domestic breeds plus the Przewalski horse, typed at 15 microsatellite markers, to evaluate how program settings, in particular the so far insufficiently evaluated number of replicates, impact the estimation of the optimal number of population clusters Kopt that best describe the observed data. Domestic horses are suited as a test case as there is extensive knowledge of the history of many breeds, extensive phylogenetic analyses. Different methods based on different genetic assumptions and statistical procedures (DAPC, FLOCK, PCoA and STRUCTURE with different run scenarios) all revealed the general, broad-scale relationships among the breeds that largely reflect known breed histories but...

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Equine Healthcare Market Size 2024-2028

The equine healthcare market size is forecast to increase by USD 582.4 million at a CAGR of 6.78% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends and factors. The rise in the incidence of zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, is a major concern driving market growth. Additionally, the adoption of new technologies, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, is revolutionizing the industry. 
However, high costs associated with equine healthcare remain a challenge in both veterinary telehealth and for horse owners. The implementation of advanced technologies and preventive measures to address the increasing incidence of zoonotic diseases is expected to provide significant opportunities for market growth. Alltech, a leading company, offers equine healthcare such as nutritional supplements and feed additives to support horse health, performance, and digestive health.

What will be the Size of the Equine Healthcare Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a range of products and services aimed at preventing and treating diseases in horses. Key diseases of concern include equine infectious anemia, rabies, West Nile fever, and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis. Equine industry participants, including equine veterinary practitioners, play a crucial role in managing these health issues. Technologies such as CT systems and vaccines are essential tools in equine healthcare, with vaccination programs a critical component of disease prevention.
Furthermore, the equine population's size and the need for skilled veterinarians continue to drive market growth. Animal health companies offer various products, including vaccines and health plans, to cater to the industry's needs. The market is subject to ongoing trends, including the development of advanced diagnostic tools and the integration of technology into veterinary practices.

How is this Equine Healthcare Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The equine healthcare industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Pharmaceuticals
  Vaccines
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Indication

  Musculoskeletal Disorders
  Parasitic Infections
  Equine Herpes Virus
  Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
  Equine Influenza
  West Nile Virus
  Tetanus
  Others


Activity

  Sports/Racing
  Recreation
  Others


Geography

  North America

    Mexico
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  Asia

    China


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The pharmaceuticals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various sectors, with pharmaceuticals holding the largest share due to the demand for medications and therapies to prevent and treat equine diseases. Pharmaceutical offerings for horses cater to their unique physiological requirements and include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, dewormers, antiparasitic drugs, antifungal medications, pain relievers, hormonal therapies, and other formulations. Preventive medications are essential for maintaining equine health and preventing diseases, such as tetanus, rabies, equine influenza, equine herpes, equine infectious anemia, equine encephalomyelitis, and West Nile fever.

Furthermore, animal healthcare spending on equine pharmaceuticals also covers vaccines and medicinal feed additives for parasite control. Animal insurance, equine veterinary practitioners, equine care equipment, diagnostics, and e-commerce platforms further contribute to the market. Animal healthcare products and services are essential for horse farms, racing events, and recreational activities, ensuring the well-being of the equine population. Regenerative therapies, such as stem cell therapy, are emerging trends in the industry.

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The pharmaceuticals segment was valued at USD 637.20 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 44% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market share of various regions, Request Free Sample

The market in North America, primarily driven by the US, is shaped by the presence of leading companies like Zoetis, committed to advancing equine health through innovative products. Government initiatives pri

The size of the Europe Equine Healthcare Market market was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.01 billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 6.87 % during the forecast period. Europe equine healthcare market is about products and services meant for the better health and wellness of horses. This sector includes a variety of products such as drugs for animals, feed supplements, diagnostic and monitoring equipment and medical equipment. Examples include periodic physical checkups, dealing with injuries and sicknesses, and handling of complications that are common with certain diseases. The market is witnessing growth in preventive healthcare and developments in diagnostics as well as treatments due to rising consciousness among the horse owners and trainers. Some of them are: Increased inclination towards new therapeutic systems; natural and holistic systems; and deliciously improved diagnostic technology. It is backed by a strong equestrian population base and increasing requirement for specialty care in competitive and recreational horse sports. Recent developments include: In January 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sleip AI AB partnered to enhance use of AI in detection, diagnosis as well as treatment of disorders like lameness in equine population , In July 2022, Dechra Pharmaceuticals acquired Zimeta brand from Elanco Animal Health. This drug is used for limiting pyrexia in horses , In April 2022, Boehringer Ingelheim launched a new stem cell therapy product for use in horses known as RenuTend to improve tendons & ligaments , In March 2023, Zoetis expanded its VetScan Imagyst Platform by adding new portfolios, AI Dermatology and AI Equine Fecal Egg Count Analysis. .

The Arabian horse ignites imagination throughout the world. Populations of this breed exist in many countries, and recent genetic work has examined the diversity and ancestry of a few of these populations in isolation. Here we explore seven different populations of Arabians represented by 682 horses. Three of these are Middle Eastern populations from near the historical origin of the breed, including Syrian, Persian, and Saudi Arabian. The remaining Western populations are found in Europe (the Shagya-Arabian and Polish-Arabian) and America (American-Arabian). Analysis of genetic structure was carried out using 15 microsatellite loci. Genetic distances, AMOVA, factorial correspondence analysis and a Bayesian method were applied. The results consistently show higher level of diversity within the Middle Eastern populations than the Western populations. The Western Arabian populations were the main source of among populations variation. Genetic differentiation was not strong among all Middl...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Horse Equipment market size is USD 2251.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 900.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 675.36 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 517.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 112.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 45.02 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The performance held the highest Horse Equipment market revenue share in 2024

Market Dynamics of Horse Equipment Market

Key Drivers for Horse Equipment Market

Rising Participation in Equestrian Activities to Propel the Market Revenue Growth

The need for top-notch horse equipment is driven by rising interest in and involvement in equestrian activities, including dressage, eventing, show jumping, and horse racing. The market for specialist equipment and clothing grows as more individuals participate in these activities for competition, leisure, or recreation. For instance, according to the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine, roughly 4.6 million Americans are employed in some capacity by the horse industry. For just nine million American horses, the horse industry generates an annual economic effect of $39 billion. In the United States, 27 million individuals ride horses annually.

Rising Disposable Income of Population to Propel Market Growth

The market for horse equipment is expanding as a result of increased levels of disposable income and prosperity in emerging economies. People are more likely to invest in equestrian sports and buy top-notch equipment for themselves and their horses as their purchasing power increases. For instance, according to secondary analysis, the United States' per capita disposable personal income is currently $61579.00, up from $61449.00 in the previous month and $59439.00 in the previous year. This represents a 3.60% change from a year ago and a change of 0.21% from last month.

Source: ycharts.com/indicators/us_disposable_personal_income_per_capita

Restraint Factor for the Horse Equipment Market

Seasonal Demand to Limit the Expansion of the Market

Seasonal fluctuations can be seen in the horse equipment market, with demand usually reaching its highest point in certain seasons, such as the spring and summer when shows, competitions, and recreational riding are most common. To satisfy varying demand throughout the year, manufacturers and retailers may encounter difficulties in controlling inventory levels and maximizing production capacity. Thus, the seasonal demand for horse equipment might be a major restraining factor for the market growth during the forecast period.

Key Trends for Horse Equipment Market

Enhancing Attention on Tailored and Ergonomic Horse Equipment

Riders and horse owners are increasingly prioritizing comfort, safety, and performance, resulting in a heightened demand for customized saddles, bridles, and protective gear. Products designed with ergonomics in mind, specifically for both horse and rider, are becoming more popular in both professional and recreational markets. This trend is driving innovation and the premiumization of the horse equipment industry.

Expansion of E-Commerce and Digital Sales Platforms

The growth of digital retail channels is revolutionizing the marketing, sale, and distribution of horse equipment across various regions. Equestrian brands are allocating resources towards online storefronts, influencer marketing, and product visualization tools to enhance customer engagement. This trend is particularly crucial for niche and premium brands that aim to reach global equestrian communities.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Horse Equipment Market

The COVID-19 pandemi...

According to the estimates published by the Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations (FAO), Romania, the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany had the highest number of horses among the countries of the old 28 country strong European Union.

Horses in human culture

Horses play a huge role in human cultures, with uses in leisure activities, sport and for working purposes. Equestrian sports, such as show jumping and dressage, focus on the level of control and balance between horse and rider, while working roles include mounted police units and search and rescue teams. Currently, there are over three hundred breeds of horse worldwide.

Equestrian sports on the British Isles

In 2019, around ****** companies worked on raising horses and other equines in Great Britain. Almost ***** horses were registered with the British Equestrian Federation, the UKs national body for equestrian sports. For more information about Equestrian sports in the UK visit our topic page.

In Ireland about ***** horses, that were aged six years or older, were in race horse training. On average the price of a race horse in the country came to over **** thousand euros.

Feral burros (Equus asinus) and horses (E. ferus caballus) inhabiting public land in the western United States are intended to be managed at population levels established to promote a thriving, natural ecological balance. Like many large ungulate populations, management agencies employ aerial surveys to obtain estimates of horse and burro population sizes. Double-observer sightability (MDS) models perform well for estimating feral horse abundances, yet the effectiveness of these models for use in burro populations is less understood and may be different due to the smaller size, stoic behavior, and cryptic pelage of burros. These models help minimize detection bias, yet bias can be further reduced with models that account for unmodeled variation, or residual heterogeneity, in detection probability. In populations containing radio-marked individuals, residual heterogeneity can be estimated with MDS models by including an additional capture history corresponding to detections of mark ...

Horse Software Market Outlook

The horse software market size in 2023 is estimated to be USD 250 million, with a projected growth to approximately USD 520 million by 2032, showcasing a robust CAGR of around 8.5%. The growth of this market is strongly influenced by the increasing digitalization within the equine industry, as stakeholders are continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance the management and efficiency of their operations. This growth trajectory is fueled by the rising adoption of advanced technology solutions designed to streamline horse management processes, optimize breeding programs, and manage equine competitions more effectively.

One of the primary growth factors driving the horse software market is the rising awareness and need for efficient stable management. Stable management software solutions are increasingly being adopted to streamline operations related to horse care, feeding schedules, medical records, and more. As equine businesses and individual horse owners seek to enhance their operational efficiency, the demand for comprehensive digital solutions is on the rise. The ability to centralize all data related to horse care and management onto a single platform not only saves time but also reduces errors and improves overall management practices, contributing significantly to the market's growth.

Another significant driver is the increasing demand for specialized software for breeding management. Breeding software offers detailed genetic analysis, tracking of breeding cycles, and management of pedigrees, which are crucial for breeding programs. With the growing emphasis on improving horse genetics and maximizing breeding potential, such software solutions are gaining traction. Additionally, this segment benefits from technological advancements in genetic analysis and data science, enabling more precise and informed breeding decisions. This focus on breeding precision is a critical factor propelling the demand for horse software solutions in this area.

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into horse training and competition management platforms is another compelling growth factor. These advanced technologies enable deeper insights into horse performance, behavioral patterns, and training outcomes. By providing data-driven insights, these solutions empower trainers and riders to tailor training programs more effectively, optimize performance, and reduce the risk of injury. As a result, equine professionals are increasingly investing in these technologically advanced solutions, adding to the upward growth trajectory of the horse software market.

Regionally, North America has been a dominant player in the horse software market, primarily due to the high adoption rate of digital solutions and the substantial equine population in this region. However, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing a rapid increase in market share, driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing interest in equestrian sports and activities. Europe remains a significant market as well, with a strong focus on equine welfare and management practices. Each of these regions exhibits distinct trends and growth factors that collectively contribute to the global market expansion.

Equestrian Training Services are becoming increasingly integral to the horse software market, as they provide essential tools and resources for enhancing training programs. These services often incorporate advanced software solutions that offer detailed analytics on horse performance, enabling trainers to devise more effective training regimens. By leveraging data-driven insights, equestrian training services help in identifying areas for improvement, optimizing training schedules, and ultimately enhancing the overall performance of horses. As the demand for personalized and efficient training solutions grows, equestrian training services are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of horse training and management.

Product Type Analysis

The horse software market is segmented by product type into stable management software, breeding software, training software, competition management software, and others. Stable management software holds a significant share in the market owing to its comprehensive features that cater to the diverse needs of horse owners and stable managers. This software simplifies the everyday tasks of managing a stable, including scheduling, inventory management, and record-keeping. As stables seek

Introduction: The Italian peninsula is in the center of the Mediterranean area, and historically it has been a hub for numerous human populations, cultures, and also animal species that enriched the hosted biodiversity. Horses are no exception to this phenomenon, with the peculiarity that the gene pool has been impacted by warfare and subsequent “colonization”. In this study, using a comprehensive dataset for almost the entire Italian equine population, in addition to the most influential cosmopolitan breeds, we describe the current status of the modern Italian gene pool.Materials and Methods: The Italian dataset comprised 1,308 individuals and 22 breeds genotyped at a 70 k density that was merged with publicly available data to facilitate comparison with the global equine diversity. After quality control and supervised subsampling to ensure consistency among breeds, the merged dataset with the global equine diversity contained data for 1,333 individuals from 54 populations. Multidimensional scaling, admixture, gene flow, and effective population size were analyzed.Results and Discussion: The results show that some of the native Italian breeds preserve distinct gene pools, potentially because of adaptation to the different geographical contexts of the peninsula. Nevertheless, the comparison with international breeds highlights the presence of strong gene flow from renowned breeds into several Italian breeds, probably due to historical introgression. Coldblood breeds with stronger genetic identity were indeed well differentiated from warmblood breeds, which are highly admixed. Other breeds showed further peculiarities due to their breeding history. Finally, we observed some breeds that exist more on cultural, traditional, and geographical point of view than due to actual genetic distinctiveness.

Indigenous Iranian horse breeds were evolutionarily affected by natural and artificial selection in distinct phylogeographic clades which shaped their genomes in several unique ways. The aims of this study were to evaluate genetic diversity and genome-wide selection signatures in four indigenous Iranian horse breeds. We evaluated 169 horses from Caspian (n = 21), Turkmen (n = 29), Kurdish (n = 67), and Persian Arabian (n = 52) populations, using genome-wide genotyping data. The contemporary effective population sizes were 59, 98, 102, and 113 for Turkmen, Caspian, Persian Arabian, and Kurdish, respectively. Analysis of population genetic structure classified the north breeds (Caspian and Turkmen) and west/southwest breeds (Persian Arabian and Kurdish) into two phylogeographic clades reflecting their geographic origin. Using a de-correlated composite of multiple selection signals statistics based on pairwise comparisons, we detected a different number of significant SNPs under putative s..., ,