Estimation of genetic parameters for racing speed at different distances in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses using the random regression model.
Abstract: A total of 71 522 records (from 3154 horses) with the times per kilometre (TPK), recorded in Spanish Trotter horses (individual races) from racing performances held from 1991 to 2007, were available for this study. The TPK values for the different age groups (young and adult horses) and different distances (1600-2700 m) were considered as different traits, and a bi character random regression model (RRM) was applied to estimate the (co)variance components throughout the trajectory of age groups and distances. The following effects were considered as fixed: the combination of hippodrome-date of race (404 levels); sex of the animals (3 levels); type of start (2 levels) and a fixed regression of Legendre polynomials (order 2). Those considered as random effects were the random regression Legendre polynomial (order 1) for animals (9201 animals in the pedigree); the individual environment permanent (3154 animals with data) and the driver (n = 957 levels). The residual variance was considered as heterogeneous with two classes (ages). The heritability estimated by distance ranged from 0.12 to 0.34, with a different trajectory for the two age groups. Within each age group, the genetic correlations between adjacent distances were high (>0.90), but decreased when the differences between them were over 400 metres for both age groups. The genetic correlations for the same distance across the age groups ranged from 0.47 to 0.78. Accordingly, the analysed trait (TPK) can be considered as positive genetic correlated but as different traits along the trajectory of distance and age. Therefore, some re-ranking should be expected in the breeding value of the horses at different characteristics of the racing. The use of RRM is recommended because it allows us to estimate the breeding value along the whole trajectory of race competition.
Copyright 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Publication Date: 2010-09-14 PubMed ID: 20831563DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2010.00865.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study examined the genetic parameters related to race speed at various distances in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses using a model known as Random Regression Model (RRM). The research found that genetic factors do play a role in the race speed of these horses, but this contribution varies with distance and age, suggesting a need for specific breeding value estimations for different racing characteristics.
Research Design and Data Collection
- The study was based on a large dataset, consisting of 71,522 records, representing 3154 Spanish Trotter horses.
- These records included times per kilometer for individual races between the years 1991 to 2007.
- The variable “times per kilometer” for various age groups (young and adult) and different distances (1600-2700 meters) were treated as distinct traits.
Analysis Model and Parameters
- A bi-character random regression model was applied to the data.
- Fixed parameters considered included the combination of the hippodrome and race date, gender of the horses, type of race start, and a fixed regression of Legendre polynomials.
- Random parameters considered involved the random regression Legendre polynomial for the animals, individual environment factors, and the driver. The number of animals in the pedigree was 9201 while the number of animals with data was 3154. The drivers were 957 in number.
- In terms of error variance, it was treated as heterogeneous with two class categories: ages.
Results and Implication
- The estimated heritability by distance showed variance in range from 0.12 to 0.34, having a different trajectory for two age groups.
- Within each age group, the genetic correlations for adjacent distances were high (>0.90), but it decreased when the differences between them exceeded 400 meters.
- The genetic correlations for the same distance across age groups ranged from 0.47 to 0.78, thus TPK (time per kilometer) can be construed as genetically related.
- However, the trait presents differently across a continuum of distance and age, implying potential re-ranking in the breeding value of the horses subjected to different racing characteristics.
- The researchers recommend the use of the Random Regression Model (RRM) for estimation as it allows estimation of breeding value across the entire racing competition trajectory.
Cite This Article
APA
Gómez MD, Menendez-Buxadera A, Valera M, Molina A.
(2010).
Estimation of genetic parameters for racing speed at different distances in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses using the random regression model.
J Anim Breed Genet, 127(5), 385-394.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.2010.00865.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Department of Agroforestry Sciences, EUITA, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. pottokamdg@gmail.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Pedigree
- Regression Analysis
- Running
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Velie BD, Fegraeus KJ, Solé M, Rosengren MK, Røed KH, Ihler CF, Strand E, Lindgren G. A genome-wide association study for harness racing success in the Norwegian-Swedish coldblooded trotter reveals genes for learning and energy metabolism. BMC Genet 2018 Aug 29;19(1):80.
- Santana ML, Franco TGB, Bignardi AB. Genetic Evaluation of Barrel Racing Performance in Quarter Horses. J Anim Breed Genet 2025 Nov;142(6):609-616.
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