Abstract
Studbook inspection (SBI) data of 20 768 German Warmblood mares and radiography results (RR) data of 5102 Hanoverian Warmblood horses were used for genetic correlation analyses. The scores on a scale from 0 to 10 were given for conformation and basic quality of gaits, resulting in 14 SBI traits which were used for the correlation analyses. The radiographic findings considered included osseous fragments in fetlock (OFF) and hock joints (OFH), deforming arthropathy in hock joints (DAH) and distinct radiographic findings in the navicular bones (DNB) which were analyzed as binary traits, and radiographic appearance of the navicular bones (RNB) which was analyzed as a quasi-linear trait. Genetic parameters were estimated multivariately in linear animal models with REML using information on 24 448 horses with SBI and/or RR records. The ranges of heritability estimates were h2 = 0.14–0.34 for the RR traits and h2 = 0.09–0.50 for the SBI traits. Negative additive genetic correlations of rg = -0.19 to -0.56 were estimated between OFF and conformation of front and hind limbs and walk at hand, and between DNB and hind limb conformation. There were indications of negative additive genetic correlations between DAH and all SBI traits, but because of low prevalence and low heritability of DAH, these results require further scrutiny. Positive additive genetic correlations of rg = 0.37–0.52 were estimated between OFF and withers height and between OFH and withers height, indicating that selection for taller horses will increase disposition to develop OFF and OFH. Selection of broodmares with regards to functional conformation will assist, but cannot replace possible selection against radiographic findings in the limbs of young Warmblood riding horses, particularly with regards to OFF.
Highlights
Conformation, performance and health are important criteria for selection of Warmblood horses
The aim of this study was to determine the genetic correlations between prevalent radiographic findings in the limbs of young Warmblood riding horses and conformation criteria routinely evaluated on the occasion of studbook inspection in the same breed
The results of radiographic examinations of 5102 Hanoverian Warmblood horses, which were preliminarily appointed for sale at riding horse auctions of the Association of Hanoverian Warmblood breeders (Verband hannoverscher Warmblutzüchter e.V., VHW) between 1997 and 2004, were available for the present study
Summary
Conformation, performance and health are important criteria for selection of Warmblood horses. But not all genetic studies on this topic have shown the relation between particular conformation traits and performance in equestrian sports [11, 12, 21, 22]. Some relation between conformation traits and soundness has been identified in Standardbred trotters [21] and Warmblood riding horses [11], and favorable orthopedic status, as measured by palpation of legs and results of flexion tests at 4 years of age, was found to lower the risk of Swedish Warmblood riding horses to be culled [44]. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic correlations between prevalent radiographic findings in the limbs of young Warmblood riding horses and conformation criteria routinely evaluated on the occasion of studbook inspection in the same breed
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