Genetic analysis of traits from Holsteiner riding horses - Variance components for performance traits of foals on field test, mares at studbook registration and mares on field and station test

In the present study genetic parameter for performance traits of foals, mar es at studbook registration and on test on station and field were estimated . Scores from different inspectors were combined to a single record. Record s from test station and field test were used as the same trait. Estimated heritabilities for the performance traits of foals were h(2) = 0. 40 (gait/swing) and h(2) = 0.42 (type) on high magnitude. The genetic corre lation between these two traits was r(g) = 0.77. Estimates for conformation traits ranged from h(2) = 0.11 and h(2) = 0.12 for traits front and hind l egs, over h(2) = 0.19 to h(2) = 0.25 for gait, upper line and push/swing, t o high estimates with h(2) = 0.41 for type. The genetic correlations among traits of studbook registration ranged from r(g) = 0.45 to 0.93. The geneti c association between hind leg and the remaining traits were estimated betw een r(g) = 0.45 and 0.57 on moderate magnitude. Estimated heritabilities for performance traits of mares ranged from h(2) = 0.19 (galopp) to h(2) = 0.41 (free jumping). The genetic associations betw een basic gaits and rideability varied from moderate to high magnitude (r(g ) = 0.58 to 0.81). The positive genetic correlations between basic gaits as well as rideability and free jumping indicated no antagonism between these traits (r(g) = 0.22 to 0.48). The genetic correlations between traits of different complexes of performan ce showed especially between performance traits of foals and traits of stud book registration of mares high correlations. This justifies an early selec tion of distinct conformation traits in an foal age of 100 days. Estimates of genetic correlations between performance traits of mares on test station and foals ranged mostly on low and moderate magnitude. Equally, correlatio ns between performance traits of mares on test station and at studbook regi stration were on moderate magnitude. The study showed new results for the selection on conformation traits in a breeding program. Genetic parameters estimated for treated as combined scor e of different inspectors and combined records collected from testing stati on and field test of mares contribute to simplification of breeding value e stimation for Holsteiner riding horses.