Racing dromedary camels are widely distributed across the Arabian Peninsula, with the highest concentrations in its northern and southeastern regions. In this study, whole‑genome sequences from 34 racing camels were analyzed to evaluate their genetic relationships with non‑racing populations, estimate inbreeding levels, calculate Weir and Cockerham's fixation index (Fst), assess effective population size (Ne), and identify genomic regions exhibiting signatures of positive selection.
Both racing and non‑racing camels showed comparable levels of genomic inbreeding (FROH = 0.21), and no significant genetic differentiation was detected between the two groups. The estimated Fst values further confirmed minimal population structure. Ne estimates revealed a declining trend in both groups over the past 5,000 years, with racing camels exhibiting slightly lower recent Ne values compared to their non‑racing counterparts.
Signatures of positive selection in racing camel genomes were identified using two haplotype‑based statistics—the integrated haplotype homozygosity score (iHS) and the between‑population extended haplotype homozygosity test (Rsb)—alongside a runs‑of‑homozygosity (ROH) analysis. A total of 33 candidate regions were detected using iHS, 19 using Rsb, and 24 through ROH. These regions overlapped with genes involved in biological pathways potentially linked to athletic performance, including musculoskeletal development, lipid metabolism, stress response, bone integrity, endurance, and power.
Overall, these findings explore the racing dromedary genome, with the aim of identifying variants and haplotypes associated with athletic traits. Such insights could support the development of genetically informed breeding programs designed to enhance specialized racing lines.

Co-authors: None