Abstract
Simple SummaryCurrent selection in the Italian Heavy Draught Horse (IHDH) is based on linear type traits scored on foals, but the studbook admission of candidate mares and stallion requires an additional evaluation of linear type traits at adult age, about 30 months. The study intended estimating the genetic parameters of these traits to evaluate the possible shift from type scored on foals to adult. Results showed a moderate heritability of traits, and a positive genetic trend was observed in the traits of selection interest. This suggests the feasibility of using linear type traits scored at adult age for genetic improvement of the IHDH.The Italian Heavy Draught Horse (IHDH) breed is selected based on linear type traits (LTT) evaluated at young age on six-month-old foals. However, animals retained for reproduction are scored also at adults age (about 30 months), and the evaluation is mandatory for the final official admission to the stud book of candidate mares and stallions. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters of LTT scored at 30 months to consider if they are feasible for selection instead of using foal data and to reduce costs of selection plan. Data included 19 years of evaluation for 14 LTT and an overall score. Analyses were performed on 5835 females and 856 males via animal model. The heritability ranged from 0.03 (upper line length) to 0.40 (frame size). Traits of selection interest (head size and expression; temperament/movement; fleshiness; fore diameter; rear diameter) reported heritability between 0.21 and 0.31. High genetic correlations were obtained among traits related to muscular development, 0.73 on average. Positive genetic trends were found in traits of selection interest, already selected from foal type trait data. Accounting for genetic parameters estimated in adult animals instead in foals is feasible in IHDH selection.
Highlights
The goal of breeding organizations and breeders is to improve the genetic value of animals over generations
It is possible to observe that genetic parameters of traits recorded at 30 months of age are consistent with estimates obtained in traits recorded in young foals [9] and currently used for genetic improvement
Genetic evaluation in Italian Heavy Draught Horse (IHDH) is based on a linear type evaluation of 11 traits scored at six months of age, five of them included in the selection index of the breed
Summary
The goal of breeding organizations and breeders is to improve the genetic value of animals over generations. Breeding for conformation accounts aspects as the morphology and movement, and it is an important aspect of breeding decisions in many livestock species including pigs, sheep, cattle and horse [1]. Traits may be measured or scored (in points), depending on the breeding goals. Evaluators provide a subjective judgement of the correctness of the trait [2]. In some horse breeds a linear evaluation system developed in dairy cattle [3] was introduced in the 1990s Warmblood [4]; in Italian Haflinger [5]). Under this system, extreme scores correspond to the biological
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