GENETICS OF THE PANTANEIRO HORSE OF THE PANTANAL REGION OF BRAZIL

Genetic variation at seven red blood cell alloantigen, blood group loc i and 10 biochemical genetic loci was examined in 102 Pantaneiro horse s from the Pantanal region of Brazil and compared to that of other dom estic horse breeds. Measures of both individual genic variation and po pulational genetic diversity within the Pantaneiro were near the avera ge for domestic horse breeds. From the standpoint of genetic conservat ion there is no immediate concern for loss of variation within the Pan taneiro. Analysis of genetic relationship showed that the Pantaneiro w as clearly of Iberian Peninsula descent and that it was most closely r elated to other Brazilian breeds.