[Analysis of the population structure of the South German coldblood in Bavaria, Germany].

The research article centers on an analysis of genetic contributions, inbreeding levels, and relationship coefficients within the South German Coldblood horse population in Bavaria. It concludes that the majority of the current population is purebred, with the Noric horse being the most significant contributor.

Analysis of gene contributions

• The research calculated gene contributions using population data from 1918 South German Coldblood horses registered in Bavaria in 2003.
• The Suffolk Punch and Thoroughbred Horse were identified as the most significant contributors to the current South German Coldblood population.
• Negligible influences were noted from the Rhenish-German and Black Forest Draught Horse, as well as the Percheron.
• The study estimated that the proportion of purebred South German Coldblood horses in the current population is about 43%. However, considering the South German Coldblood’s origin, being the same as the Noric horse, the proportion of purebred genes is actually more than 93%.

Calculations of inbreeding coefficients and relationship levels

• The analysis used eight-generation pedigree data, with an index of pedigree completeness at 76%.
• The average coefficient of inbreeding was initially calculated to be 23%. Yet, after considering missing pedigree data, the mean coefficient of inbreeding was adjusted to 3%.
• The study observed a rate of inbreeding per generation in the current population at about 0.43% over the last eight generations, due to fall to about 0.15% in the future generation.
• The mean degree of relationship within the total current population was calculated to be 6%.

Effective population size

• The research determined an effective population size in the current Bavarian South German Coldblood population to be 332.

The findings of this research provide vital insights into the genetic structure and inbreeding levels of the South German Coldblood horse population in Bavaria, and can significantly aid future breeding programs and conservation strategies.