EAAP Horse Commission Report - activities and plans -

IT-Solutions for Animal Production WBFSH Annual Meeting on November 11-14, 2017, in Billund, Denmark EAAP Horse Commission Report - activities and plans - Kathrin F. Stock 1, Ana Sofia Santos 2 1 IT Solutions for Animal Production (vit), Verden, Germany 2 University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal Horse Commission

Outline EAAP Horse Commission research news from the EAAP annual meeting major topics at the conference: new traits, big data, sustainability (animal production in a changing world) hot topics for sport horse breeding: results from selected studies activities, plans, perspectives of the EAAP Horse Commission specific support of studbooks development and use of the network (e.g. knowledge transfer, support of R&D initiatives) implications and prospects for horse breeding 1

EAAP Horse Commission board Ana Sofia Santos, Portugal - president (2017-2020) Rhys Evans, Norway - vice-president (2017-2020) Klemen Potočnik, Slovenia - vice-president (2016-2019) Kathrin F. Stock, Germany - vice-president (2015-2018) Isabel Cervantes, Spain - secretary (2015-2018) Melissa Cox, Germany - industry representative (2016-2019) working groups (WG) of the EAAP HC European Workshop for Equine Nutrition (EWEN) WG Socio-economy WG Interstallion WG - chair: Steven Janssens, Belgium - secretary: Kathrin F. Stock, Germany BREEDING TOPICS 4

Tallinn, Estonia (28 Aug - 1 Sep 2017) EAAP Annual Meeting (I) overall strength of the conference more than 1,000 participants 56 scientific sessions, incl. several one-day symposia worldwide interest strength of the conference structure theme, discovery, challenge sessions free communications sessions (!) official website: https://eaap2017.org/ Session type Theme Sessions (T) Industry sessions (I) Free communications / Bottom-Up (BU) Discovery Sessions (D) Challenge Sessions (C) Early-career scientist s Sessions (EC) Project session (P) Working Group sessions (WG) Session contents on key topics in animal science; invited and offered papers led and supported by industry; invited and offered papers created from submitted abstracts and titles invited single/multiple presentations on hot/emerging topics free format (workshop, open committee, round table) to debate important issues project-based to share its results, often with additional submitted abstracts results of an EAAP working group 5

Tallinn, Estonia (28 Aug - 1 Sep 2017) EAAP Annual Meeting (II) Horse Commission: 3 full sessions (31 accepted abstracts) S 30. The future role of native horse breeds (D) S 38. The role of advanced genetics in the equine sector (T) S 55. Science supporting the health and welfare of horses (T) several genetic papers on horses submitted as free communications conference format providing enough flexibility BUT: difficult particularly for young scientists HC intention for EAAP 2018: attractiveness of session titles (strengthening of T, D, I sessions) Session type Theme Sessions (T) Industry sessions (I) Free communications / Bottom-Up (BU) Discovery Sessions (D) Challenge Sessions (C) Early-career scientist s Sessions (EC) Project session (P) Working Group sessions (WG) Session contents on key topics in animal science; invited and offered papers led and supported by industry; invited and offered papers created from submitted abstracts and titles invited single/multiple presentations on hot/emerging topics free format (workshop, open committee, round table) to debate important issues project-based to share its results, often with additional submitted abstracts results of an EAAP working group 6

Major topics at the conference new traits (as 2016) sustainability, efficiency, health information from automated systems optimization of data analysis and use data integration comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approaches advanced methodology (big data) genomics (meanwhile 'standard tool') methodological developments new applications persisting and new challenges IMPACTS OF INCREASED INFORMATION DEMANDS & GENERAL TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT 7

H.P. Meier, Switzerland The role of advanced genetics in the equine sector appeal to reconcile possibilities of modern breeding with valuable traditional experience good starting point of horse breeding - identity testing, individual performance recording - population genetic knowledge - well-proven genomic toolbox challenges - sensible application of advanced genetic and genomic methods - forensic and ethical aspects: clearly defined breeding goals, balanced breeding programs (health, durability, fertility) - knowledge transfer: information of breeders, interdisciplinary collaboration key factor for progress of horse breeding: open-mindedness in the whole equine sector successful horse breeding = best match of tradition, knowledge & modern technological tools 11

M. Sabbagh et al., France Genetic analysis of Selle Français conformation and gaits data population genetic analysis based on valuating scores (1-10) from local, regional and national shows from 2005-2014 in total 34,604 scores from 21,114 horses traits assessed with 2 to 3 years of age - conformation (N=10) - free gaits (N=3) and free jumping (N=3) - presentation under saddle (N=4) heritability estimates of 0.08-0.43 possible use of show data for genetic evaluation of conformation and gaits in Selle Français balanced breeding programs providing early selection support & enabling information-based decisions Source: http://en.sellefrancais.fr 12

A. Burren et al., Switzerland New variance components in Swiss Warmblood horses routine genetic evaluation for linear traits in Swiss Warmblood since 2004 (28 conformation traits, 8 performance traits) substantial increase of phenotypic data basis motivating re-estimation of genetic parameters - 11,408 conf. and 13,431 perf. records - 3- to 6-year-old horses (field test, promotion) new heritability estimates of 0.11-0.65 (consistent pattern; change of h² of -0.06 to +0.19) several moderate to high additive genetic correlations between linear traits indicating similar genetic background of some conformation and gait traits and predictive value of free jumping linear profiling of young sport horses as highly valuable source of detailed information for the breeding program 13

K.F. Stock et al., Germany Genetics of linear traits for specifying and enhancing breeding programs for sport horses routine linear profiling implying substantially improved opportunities of decision support for breeders and studbooks new genetic evaluation for linear traits using integrated data of the Oldenburg studbooks - in total 12,931 linear profiles (foals, mares/stallions) - conformation (N=46) and performance (N=40; F: N=17) incl. gaits, jumping, special remarks and behavior use of breeding values of stallions for in depth analysis of current breeding practices - breeders' preferences (use of stallions) - discipline specific patterns of genetic trait dispositions - selection effects patterns of genetic proofs in different groups of sires reflecting different proximity of linear traits to the major breeding goals breeding values for functionality-related linear traits allowing improved monitoring of balance in the breeding program monitoring of realized breeding strategies using genetic proofs for linear traits underlining the benefits of 'phenotypic quality offense' of linear profiling for the breeding programs of sport horses Fig.: RBV in popular OL sires (focus more on dressage), with pol0 = stallions with <15 OL registered foals (N=835) vs. pol1 = stallions with 15 OL registered foals (N=96) 15

S. García-Ballesteros et al., Spain Managing the non-placed horses records in endurance performance genetic evaluation genetic evaluation based on endurance racing results (racing times, rank at finish) including all starters in total 3,286 racing records of 933 horses ('placing' referring to finishing status) comparison of different models - single-trait models (time, placing Y/N, rank) - multiple-trait model (time, placing Y/N) heritability estimates of 0.09-0.27, with genetic correlation of 0.35 between time and placing finishing information as valuable supplement of genetic evaluation for racing time and rank in endurance races optimum use of available information on individual horses for strengthening the breeding programs 16

M. Chassier et al., France Imputation of high density genotypes from medium density genotypes in various French equine breeds imputation (= 'upscaling' of information on genetic markers) as powerful tool in genomic research and routine applications equine SNP arrays - high-density chip (670k / 670,806 SNPs) - medium-density chips of 1 st generation (50k / 54,602 SNPs) and 2 nd generation (74k / 65,157 SNPs) genotype data of horses from five breeds, with HD quota of 10-57% - Arabs (N=1,207), Anglo-Arabs (N=229) - Selle Français (N=1,978), various foreign sport horses (N=209) - Trotteur Français (N=979) comparison of within-breed and across-breeds strategies for reference and validation sample, software FImpute high concordance between true and imputed genotypes supporting suitability of imputed SNP data for genome wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic evaluation optimized strategies for efficient use of resources and maximum benefit from collaborative initiatives 17

A. Viļuma et al., Sweden Genomic structure of the horse MHC class II region resolved using long-read sequencing technology importance of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) for immune function: genes encoding antigen presenting molecules extreme diversity of MHC as evolutionary need associations of equine MHC class II with disease susceptibility - Equine Sarcoids - Summer Eczema - Equine Recurrent Uveitis use of specific technology assembly of 1,165,328 bp gap free sequence (long-read single molecule real-time sequencing; bacterial artificial chromosome [BAC] clones spanning equine MHC II region) horse compared to other mammals: extraordinary high number of copy number variations, different relative location and directionality of classical and high synteny of non-classical MHC II genes long-read sequence assembly of the equine MHC class II region as valuable resource for association studies of immune-related diseases and evolutionary studies of genetic diversity use of modern technology for elucidating the background of long-studied equine diseases Sources: http://www.keldur.is (left), http://www.vetstream.com (top right), http://www.merckvetmanual.com (UC Davis Vet. Ophth. Serv.) (bottom right) Source: http://www.slideshare.net 18

N. Moravčí0ková et al., Slovak Republic Patterns of gene flow in the Slovak Lipizzan population status of Lipizzan population in Slovakia and whole gene pool of European Lipizzan horses (populations / studs in 6 other countries) population characteristics - genetic diversity, effective population size (Ne) - population subdivision, migration events microsatellite genotyping of 951 horses (13 markers; incl. 103 Slovak Lipizzan horses) genetic differentiation analyses: 3 main clusters of populations, with closer links between: - Slovak and Hungarian population (genetic similarity, recent migration rates) - Austrian and Italian populations (recent migration) understanding of connectivity among (sub-)populations or fragmented populations as basis for targeted and efficient breed conservation measures refined analyses of population structure supporting optimum breed management Source: http://www.lipica.org Source: 'The Lipizzaner' by Una Harley (guide no. 8) 19

Activities, plans, perspectives (I) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extend visibility and reach of the EAAP Horse Commission strengthening of the network: involvement of the practice, linking of science and practice, careful consideration and maintenance of industry contacts interaction and help: broad support of the equine sector (representation on European level), targeted support of studbooks (information, contacts,...) 20

Activities, plans, perspectives (II) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extend visibility and reach of the EAAP Horse Commission use of the opportunities of the 'EAAP family': new website (own EAAP HC commission website) Horse Study Commission Logo (EAAP, Sponsors) Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 About us Activities What's going on Official website of the Insect Study Commission (model) found at: http://www.eaap.org/insectsc/ HorseStudy Commission (specifictopics) 21

Activities, plans, perspectives (III) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extending the reach of the EAAP Horse Commission use of the opportunities of the 'EAAP family': new website (own EAAP HC commission website) organization of workshops (platform for exchange and knowledge transfer) event organization and support together with selected industry partners increase of visibility and impact of EAAP 22

Activities, plans, perspectives (IV) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extending the reach of the EAAP Horse Commission use of the opportunities of the 'EAAP family': new website (own EAAP HC commission website) organization of workshops (platform for exchange and knowledge transfer) support of young scientists support of engagement in EU projects additional services for all individual members of the EAAP 23

Activities, plans, perspectives (V) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extending the reach of the EAAP Horse Commission promoting the crucial exchange within the entire equine sector challenge sessions at the EAAP conferences places and dates of future EAAP annual meetings 24

Activities, plans, perspectives (VI) departure from focus on planning mainly for and around the annual meetings (EAAP conference) regular EAAP HC meetings and internal activity reports actions to extending the reach of the EAAP Horse Commission promoting the crucial exchange within the entire equine sector challenge sessions at the EAAP conferences independent workshops 4 th International Workshop on Linear Profiling in the Warmblood Horse on March 14-15, 2018, in Bothel (Visselhövede) / Germany 4th IWSLP conference material found online at: http://www.equinephenotypes.org/texte/recording_iwslp_eng.html 25

IT-Solutions for Animal Production Contact: PD Dr. habil. Kathrin F. Stock (E-mail friederike.katharina.stock@vit.de; phone +49-176-60931357) Horse Commission Thank you! 4 th International Workshop on Linear Profiling in the Warmblood Horse on March 14-15, 2018, in Bothel (Visselhövede) / Germany SAVE THE DATE! 4th IWSLP