Variation in TBX3 Gene Region in Dun Coat Color Polish Konik Horses

The Polish Konik is a primitive breed of horse, most likely descended directly from the wild extinct forest equus so-called Tarpan (Equus ferus ferus). The studbook of this breed is closed, and only individuals with blue dun in color with a well-developed black middorsal stripe and other primitive markings are entered. The aim of the presented study was the investigation of genetic background of dun phenotype in Polish Konik horses. A total of 93 Polish Koniks were investigated toward single nucleotide polymorphisms in a region of TBX3 gene by Sanger sequencing method. Obtained results confirmed that all investigated horses carry dun dilution genotype. Two new variants were identified which have not been previously described [WT/WT-G/G-A/G; WT/del-G/del-G/G]. Furthermore, our results showed in population of Polish Koniks occurrence of the rare genotype recently found in Estonian-native horses.