Genetic Health Testing for Friesian Horses

Friesian horses are renowned for their sleek black coats, thick manes and tails, and flashy movements. However, like any other horse breed, they can be predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. Two of the potential genetic health conditions that Friesian horses may be more prone to than other breeds include:

Friesian Dwarfism (FD)

Dwarfism is a genetic disorder that results in abnormally small stature and various skeletal abnormalities. There are various types of dwarfism, but it is a mutation at B4GALT7 that is associated with the condition in Friesian horses which is not the same as the mutation found in miniature horses and Shetland ponies. In Friesians, dwarfism mainly affects the limbs and ribs, leading to a normal-sized head, a disproportionate back, and very short legs. There is no treatment for dwarfism, but affected horses may go on to lead relatively normal lives. Research indicates that dwarfism is a recessive trait, which means a horse needs to inherit two mutant alleles (FRDWF/FRDWF) to get the disease. Horses with just one mutant allele (FRDWF/n) are healthy but are 'carriers' and can pass the mutation to their offspring. If two carrier horses breed, there's a 25% chance their foal will have dwarfism.

Hydrocephalus (HDC)

Hydrocephalus, also known as "water on the brain," is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. In Friesian horses, a narrowed passage in the brain is thought to prevent normal fluid absorption, causing an obvious swelling of the skull. If an affected foal survives, as many are either aborted or stillborn, hydrocephalus can lead to severe neurological symptoms such as seizures and ataxia (incoordination) which leads them to be humanely euthanized. Like dwarfism, hydrocephalus is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a foal needs to inherit two copies of the mutant gene (HDC/HDC) to be affected. Horses with only one copy of the gene (HCD/n) are carriers, meaning they can still produce affected foals.

Genetic testing is crucial in preventing these health issues and ensuring the well-being of the Friesian breed. Our comprehensive Health Panel DNA test evaluates your horse for both of these health conditions and so much more. By identifying carriers of known health conditions, breeders can make informed decisions to avoid matings that would produce foals with these potentially debilitating diseases. Prioritizing genetic testing not only helps maintain the health and sustainability of the beloved Friesian but also promotes responsible breeding practices across the entire equine industry.