Genetic parameters for performance testing traits of breeding mares from different German warmblood breeding associations

In the present study heritabilities and genetic correlations of traits recorded on mare performance test were estimated for the six German breeding associations, which had the highest number of mares tested (Hannover, Holstein, Oldenburg, Westfalen, Bayern und Mecklenburg). Data of the years 1986 to 2001 were included in the analysis. The considered traits were walk, trot, canter, rideability and free jumping. The genetic parameters of these traits within the different associations were estimated using a multivariate BLUP animal model. Heritabilities were moderate in a range between h2 = 0.16 (rideability, Mecklenburg) and h2 = 0.58 (canter, Oldenburg). Differences between heritabilities of corresponding traits measured in different associations were very high and ranged for canter from h2 = 0.28 (Holstein) to h2 = 0.58 (Oldenburg). The additive genetic variance of traits varied substantially among associations. Also, the genetic correlations between the gaits (walk, trot, canter) and rideability were moderate to high for all associations. The genetic correlations of walk, trot, canter and rideablitly to free jumping were inconsistent among associations. While the relationship between canter and free jumping was low to moderate, walk was only marginally positive related to free jumping. Genetic correlations between corresponding traits were very high for the associations Hannover and Oldenburg (rg = 0.87 [canter] – rg = 0.99[walk]).

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