PERFORMANCE-TEST ON MARES IN-FIELD AND ON STATION .1. ANALYSIS OF GENETIC-PARAMETERS

The objective of this study was to compare the field and stationary pe rformance test on mares concerned with their breeding prospects. The d ata from Hanoverian Warmblood mares, tested in field (n=1724) and on s tation (n=518) in the years 1987 to 1990, were used for genetic evalua tion. The heritabilities estimated by using animal-model were ranging between h2=0.21-0.30 in case of field performance test traits. The sta tionary performance test traits resulted more fluctuating heritabiliti es (h2=0.04 to h2=0.70). The genetic correlations between the traits o f field and stationary performance test were ranging from r(g)=-0.09 t o r(g)=0.89 and r(g)=-0.70 to r(g)=0.97, respectively. All phenotypic correlations were positive and ranged at low to medium level in both p erformance tests. The animal-model was more appropriate than the sire- model for genetic evaluation. Biasses, due to the subjective scoring s ystem, are partially compensated by considering the relationship betwe en all relatives. Field and stationary performance tests lead to an al most equal ranking of mares. Therefore, both can be used as equivalent test alternatives in breeding programmes. The field as well as statio nary performance test of mares can give sufficient evidence for the of fspring's qualification in competition shows. Out of all traits, trot and free jumping showed highest association to dressage and jumping co mpetition, respectively.