The Irish Food and Agriculture Development Authority, Teagasc, has published a book on horse genetics and breeding which aims to be a model for equine genetic improvement.

Written by equine specialist Dr Alan Hurley, the free downloadable book Genetics and breeding of Irish horses is designed to educate breeders to use available resources to make informed breeding decisions.

It describes several aspects of equine genetics and breeding and illustrates how breeders can improve the genetic merit of Irish horses backed by science. It is aimed at breeders and owners, students of equine studies, breeding and veterinary sciences who wish to know more about equine breeding and genetics.

Its chapters cover essential genetic information for breeders, genomics, pedigree and breeding patterns, line selection, inbreeding and color genetics, evaluation of mares and stallions, breeding objectives, the concept of breeding values ​​and the genetics of performance and health. In addition to conformation, the latter examines the heritability of osteochondrosis and navicular disease, as well as disorders such as fragile Warmblood foal syndrome, hoof wall separation disease, and storage myopathy. polysaccharides, as well as the genetics of respiratory diseases.

Breeding is an important part of the equine industry in Ireland, which is dominated by the thoroughbred and sport horse sectors. The annual economic value of the Irish breeding and thoroughbred racing industries is estimated at € 1.84 billion, while the Irish sport horse sector is estimated at around € 816 million for the economy.

Teagasc director Professor Frank O’Mara said the 104-page book highlights the importance of equine genetics and breeding for the industry as a whole. “It emphasizes the importance of selectivity and using the best males and females, to genetically improve a population, in a certain direction, based on a predefined goal.”

Professor Donagh Berry of Teagasc said Hurley had “elegantly and succinctly compiled the key elements and blueprint for a successful horse breeding program”.

“Luck is the key ingredient to raising a successful animal. A well-structured breeding program, however, improves the average performance of the population and increases the chances of raising that animal successfully,” said Berry.

Hurley said significant genetic progress in the years to come could be made with “significant acceptance by breeders and industry both in terms of recording data and implementing available resources.”

Teagasc is a leading provider of full-time education, lifelong learning and counseling to growing cohorts of breeders, producers and equine riders.