Genetic Identification

[zinn21]

Just finished reading an article where scientist have isolated the gene that causes the exaggerated wrinkling in Shar-Peis. In the past several months I have read more and more of these types of articles where scientists are identifying genes that are responsible for certain traits.

How long before scientists isolate the gene that seperates the superior equine athlete from their predominantly average brothers and sisters?

Or does such a gene exist?

[xfactor fan]

I'd guess there isn't one 'turbo charge" gene, but a collection of genes that interact with structure, cardio, metabolism, central nervous system hardwiring, and behavior. All these interact to create a superior racehorse.

Just look at how one factor--behavior--influenced racing ability, the very public meltdown of Quality Road in the Breeders Cup.

[Pan Zareta]

How long before scientists isolate the gene that seperates the superior equine athlete from their predominantly average brothers and sisters?

See the Genetic Tests For Thoroughbreds thread, and the recently published report A Genome Scan For Positive Selection in Thoroughbred Horses.

[Dave C]

The saying that "all roads lead to Rome" does not mean that there is only one road. There are different types of successful racehorses resulting from different collections of genes. Breeding a good racehorse is about collecting the right genes to match one of the patterns.

[zinn21]

Sounds like the consensus is that there is no one gene that creates the superior equine athlete. Nonetheless I would love to see (or would I?)scientists map the top one hundred racehorses currently alive to see if there is a genetic pattern or common thread linking them all.

Pan Zareta, thanks for the links. I will dive in.