B. Langlois, A CONSIDERATION OF THE GENETIC-ASPECTS OF SOME CURRENT PRACTICES IN THOROUGHBRED HORSE BREEDING, Annales de zootechnie, 45(1), 1996, pp. 41-51
The genetic problems involved in Thoroughbred breeding are reviewed. F
irst, an historical and sociological analysis highlights the following
questions. Is performance selection, the great historical contributio
n of Thoroughbred breeding, still effective? Is breed purity a myth or
a technically effective reality? What about inbreeding? What are the
respective influences of the mare and stallion? Second, the answers pu
t forth by the scientific community are examined. Finally, considerati
on is given to future prospects and to the progress required for genet
ic management in an industry where the concepts currently in use are v
ery outdated.