The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors in White Leg Markings: Prevalence and Heritability Analysis in Pura Raza Espanola Horses.

ABSTRACT: White leg markings in horses are phenotypic traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study analyzed their prevalence, symmetry, and genetic parameters in 38,825 Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses registered in the official studbook. White markings were scored using a binary (affected/unaffected) and a four-level ordinal scale. Most horses (38,341 out of 38,825; 98.8%) had at least one limb without white markings. The prevalence of white markings was higher in the hindlegs (17.9% LH; 14.5% RH) than in the forelegs (5.3% LF; 4.6% RF). Markings were most frequent above the fetlock (≈64%), chestnut horses showed the highest prevalence, whereas black coats showed the lowest. Genetic analyses using Bayesian animal models revealed moderate-to-high heritabilities, ranging from 0.4

SUBMITTER: Encina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12653778 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature