Electrophoretic markers of Andalusian horses: comparison of Spanish and Lusitanian lineages.

Genetic variants at eight blood loci were analysed, disclosing in Andalusian breed six rare markers: variants J of transferrin, H of esterase, D and S of Xk, M and W of prealbumin. Two of these, TfJ and PrM appear as characteristic markers of Andalusian breed. Allelic frequencies showed minor differences between Spanish (300 horses) and Lusitanian (100 horses) populations. Comparison was established with historically related breeds, Thoroughbreds or Connemara, and with Arab horses because of a presumed relationship. No visible similarities in genetic profiles were found with two former breeds, nor with Arab horses. Unpredicted similarities were found however between Tarpans and Andalusian horses, appearing rather as convergences than witnessing a common ancestry.