Equine Genetics & Selection Procedures

This book provides the modern principles of genetics of the horse in an interesting, useful, easy-to-read presentation. It contains fascinating details of successful selection methods used by leaders in the horse industry. This is combined with information about powerful techniques based on solid scientific research. This book will help you select superior horses for breeding, racing, or showing. This is important reading for all horse people, and essential for breeders.

For years, horsemen have questioned the advantages and disadvantages of inbreeding. Some breeders believe a limited degree of inbreeding is desirable (and even unavoidable), but that it is detrimental to productivity if carried to the extreme. Others claim that intensive inbreeding is important to breed improvement. Still others try to avoid inbreeding and remain within the boundaries of an outbreeding system. This section will examine the advantages and the disadvantages of the various inbreeding and outbreeding systems, relating each aspect to basic genetic principles.