GENETIC-PARAMETERS AND BREEDING VALUES FOR LINEAR TYPE TRAITS IN THE HAFLINGER HORSE

Genetic parameters and breeding values were estimated for linear type traits in the Italian Haflinger horse population. Traits were divided in 10 groups depending on the region of the body on which they were me asured. Observations on 510 males and 3392 females were analysed using a multiple trait animal model for every group of traits, Fixed effect s of herd group by birth year and classifier by year of evaluation wer e considered. Genetic parameters were estimated using restricted maxim um likelihood, Estimates of heritability ranged from 0.02 to 0.53. Low est estimations were found for temperament traits (0.02 and 0.06) whil e highest values were for coat description traits (0.29 to 0.53). Esti mates of genetic correlations between traits ranged from -0.32 to 0.99 . The highest correlation obtained was between volume and expressivene ss of the head (0.99), Breeding values were estimated using the same m ultiple trait animal model. Standardized breeding values will be used for selection on morphology in the Italian Haflinger population. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science B.V.