From KFPS Royal Friesian Newsletter 3\2016
Are you using the KFPS breeding values in your search for a suitable stallion for your mare? No, you’re not? Then that is a missed opportunity, according to CRV researchers and makers of KFPS breeding values Lydia de Haer and Gerben de Jong.
Breeding values basically represent figures to reflect the hereditary index for specific characteristics. The figure reflects a horse´s genetic predisposition for this characteristic and how it is passed on to its offspring. The breeding values are the result of filtering all available information on this horse and its relatives. The more data are included the more reliable the breeding value will be.
KFPS breeding values are composed of several aspects. The ‘breeding values exterior linear’ are available for every horse registered in the Studbook. These comprise 26 characteristics indicating two, usually opposing terms. The bar in the middle reveals to which side the horse’s genetic predisposition has a stronger tendency. Under the heading ‘breeding values exterior assessment aspects’ the above linear characteristics of the horse are summed up in five aspects, which are: breeding type, conformation, legwork, walk and trot.
There are additional breeding values for sport aptitude. To acquire these a horse needs to complete an aptitude test or have taken part in competition sports. These breeding values offer a reliable indication of a horse´s genetic predisposition to perform under saddle, in driving or show driving.
The number 100 reflects the average
Breeding values are expressed in figures, which is based on the concept that the figure 100 is the average of the entire Friesian population for this characteristic in a specific year. From a genetic point of view, a Friesian with 108 for scope in trot is 8 breeding value points better than an average horse, which implies that this horse can be an improvement for breeding. A breeding value lower than 100 for trot indicates that this horse is not very likely to pass on scope of movement in trot to its offspring.
It might be expected that scoring higher than 100 for all characteristics would be desirable in a horse. This is correct with regard to the exterior assessment characteristics and sport aptitude, but does not always apply to the linear characteristics. Take for instance ‘correctness forelegs’. Here the breeding value can swing towards ‘toeing-in’ or maybe ‘toeing-out’. Both are undesirable, so in relation to this characteristic the most desirable breeding value is closest to 100.
Reliability
Breeding value estimates are always linked to a reliability score. This score indicates the extent to which the horse is expected to pass on those characteristics. Generally speaking it can be said that young horses have low reliability scores because not many data have been collected. They have not yet completed an aptitude test nor have they taken part in competition sports. As soon as they have done so these scores will be added and the reliability score will go up. The reliability rate will increase even further when a horse has produced offspring that in turn, will also be inspected and perform in sports. Therefore an older, approved stallion with many offspring can advance to a reliability rate of 92%. If this stallion has a breeding value of 110 for ‘breeding type’ it can safely be assumed that chances are high his offspring will also have a lot of breeding type (92%).
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