Researchers at the Peruvian National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (UNTRM) have successfully sequenced and published the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Peruvian Paso horse, a breed renowned for its elegance and unique gait. Using advanced PacBio HiFi sequencing technology, they assembled a 16,617 base pair mitochondrial genome, identifying 35 heteroplasmic variants and confirming the breed’s genetic strength and stability. A comparative phylogenetic analysis of 681 horse mitochondrial genomes worldwide revealed that the Peruvian Paso horse belongs to European maternal lineages, particularly related to breeds from southern and central Europe, providing new insights into its origin and evolution in Peru.

This groundbreaking study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, marks the first application of PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing to a native Peruvian animal breed and highlights UNTRM’s scientific capabilities. The findings offer critical tools for conservation, genetic improvement, and lineage certification of the Peruvian Paso horse, supporting sustainable breeding programs and protecting the breed’s genetic diversity. This research not only advances academic knowledge but also strengthens the cultural and historical significance of this emblematic Peruvian breed.