Results of a Contingent Valuation Survey to Evaluate the Breeding Objective for the South German Heavy Horse

To define the breeding objective for the South German Heavy Horse, a Contingent Valuation survey was conducted among a stratified random sample of all registered breeders in Bavaria. The main interest was to derive weighing factors for all relevant conformation and performance traits. A total of 62 personal interviews with an average duration of about an hour were carried out and analysed. Additional questions to reveal general preferences and to get an insight into the breeding structure were also included. The results show a remarkably stable preference structure across all strata. Highest weights were obtained for the quality of the limbs and hoofing followed by temperament traits like ‘pleasantness’ and ‘coolness’. High weights were also identified for the quality of the gait walk and the trait ‘willingness to work’. These results reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the breed and can be seen as emphasising the well known traditional orientation of heavy horse breeders and their attempt to preserve and improve typical characteristics of the breed. More generally, we also found a strong commitment to local or regional private or cooperative stallion owners. The confidence resulting from the familiarity with the local stallion owner in combination with the apparent logistic advantages is the crucial criterion in selecting a breeding stallion after it has passed its breeding registration. As a result it seems advisable to support these traditionally grown structures and recognize their relevance in the breeding process.

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