Equine twinning - genetics (Review of literature)

Abstract

Equine twinning is undesirable due to the complications that are implied in its occurrence. Thus, it is from advantage to understand the background of this phenomenon for a proper approach. Multiple ovulations are the most frequent cause of twinning in horses. The factors contributing into it are various, but genetic traits are yet to be examined. Some horse breeds happen to be more affected than others by twinning, confirming that the reason of its occurrence is related to the genes. Furthermore, the statement is reinforced by the repeatability of twinning in family lines, proving that the related genes are inheritable.