Scientists Discover the Gene That Can Transform Wild Horses into Domestic Ones

Researchers discovered that DNA changes can turn an ancient horse into today’s Secretariats.   It unveils that almost 125 genes are responsible for the process of equine domestication.

Beth Shapiro, co author of the study states that this is the most comprehensive list of gene candidate. Generally, humans who love domestic horses prefer these genes in horses. The extensive lists of these genes also play a significant role in the development of bones and muscles.  Hence, it uncovers the genes transform wild horses into a domestic one.

These 125 genes are associated with muscles, coordination and cardiac strength. Especially the gene found in brain is associated with the domestic behavior of horses. It increases the fear response, learning and agreeableness in the wild horse. Usually, ancient breeders favored these characteristics of horses a lot.

Moreover, the study unearthed that the entire procedure of domestication provide a great help in the collection of lethal gene mutation. These deadly genes are not present in the modern horses any more.

The geneticists who are not included in the study propose that examination of equine DNA evidently demonstrates the genetic alteration of tamed horse.

Luidovic Orlando, the author of the report state that these genes are the essential for the transformation of wild animals into more passive domestic ones.

The study published in the Journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.