Comparison of gaits and jump movements between different genotypes in Trakehner horses

Abstract

Sports horse breeding is currently most oriented towards the high-performance abilities. This becomes a challenge for small and closed populations. The aim of our study was to determine the performance characteristics of different genotypes present in the Lithuanian Trakehner horse population. Trakehner Horse Breeders Association and Agricultural Data Center provided the data of Trakehner horse evaluations since 1999. The data of 435 protocols of Trakehner horse evaluations at the age of 3 and more years old were analysed. In the protocol walk, trot, canter and free–jumping movements were rated from 1 to 10. Mean and standard deviation values of the scores were calculated for mares and stallions within separate horse genotypes. The genotypes were formed on the basis of Trakehner horse lines described by Kamzolov [1]. All horses were sorted according to pedigree and assigned to the related horse group in accordance with the founders of the stallion lines. The stallion lines were divided within genealogical clusters on the basis of the founder’s breed. When describing the lines of old Trakehnen stud, the stallions of Pilger through Einhard line stood out with higher ratings of trot movements (7.0 ± 0.5) and jumping quality (7.4 ± 0.8). The mares of Pilger through Port Arthur were rated at canter movements for 7.0 ± 0.47 and at jumping for 7.5 ± 0.6. Stallions of the Dampfross through Hyperion line were scored the highest for the quality of trot and canter movements, 7.2 ± 0.6 and 7.1 ± 0.6, respectively, while ratings of mares jumping quality reached 7.5 ± 0.6. The stallions of Dampfross through Pythagoras line were also highly rated for jumping quality (7.3 ± 0.5). In the related groups, whose lines were introduced by thoroughbred stallions, the progeny of Saint Cloud group stood out for particularly well-rated walk and trot movements (from 7.1 to 7.7), but they were poorly rated for jumping quality (stallions 6.1 ± 0.6; mares 6.3 ± 0.3). Stallions of the Bay Ronald through Gainsborough line were distinguished by the highest jumping rating, which was 7.5 ± 0.6. The stallions and mares of Prince Rose line showed high ratings for the quality of walk movements (7.3 ± 0.7 and 7.5 ± 0.6, respectively), and the mares were distinguished in the evaluation of canter movements and jumping (7.3 ± 0.6 and 7.4 ± 0.5, respectively). The stallions of Langraf line were rated higher in canter movement and jumping (7.1 ± 0.6 and 7.2 ± 0.6, respectively), while the mares of Nasrullah line stood out with the highest rating of jumping (7.8 ± 0.8). In conclusion, the progeny of all stallion lines originating from old Trakehnen Stud were versatile and rated well for jumping, walk and trot movements. Meanwhile, the progeny of some thoroughbred stallion lines was better rated for walk and trot and some thoroughbred stallion lines were exceptional due to highest rates of jumping. In order to improve the performance of Trakehner horses, it is appropriate to use stallions of Dampfross (especially through Hyperion), Pilger through Einhard, Bay Ronald through Gainsborough and Landgraf lines in mating with typical Trakehner mares.