re: 2010 Thoroughbred Pedigree & Genetics Symposium Announced

brogers — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:26:20 GMT

Stud book,

They may well have all had the same pedigree (the same sire and dam, etc) but they certainly did not have the same genes.

Pedigree basically tells you what might be there, and what might be inherited - it is the immediate gene-pool from which the genes that comprise the individual are drawn. There are plenty of examples where siblings have inherited the genes for elite performance, Kris and Diesis for example, and as you point out, times when they have not.

It's also a fact that certain crosses (nicks) and ancestor combinations are more likely to result in an individual capable of elite performance than others, even though genetic variation ensures that not all individuals will do so. As it stands today, the right pedigree pattern (a good nick, and the right type of linebreeding and inbreeding behind it) gives the highest hypothetical chance of two pedigrees working together. The genetics angle would confirm whether in practice those individuals are typical of the pedigree (we often know this with a proven sire), and what the percentage chances of inheriting genes for athletic success.

As an example, it is apparent that AP Indy and Mr Prospector is a very strong nick and it is also apparent that there are certain genes found in Mr Prospector that compliment A.P Indy's genetic structure. However, not all mares by Mr Prospector have inherited these genes from him and of those that have, not all of them pass these on. The ones that do are the ones that are producing superior runners on the "nick".

All the speakers at the Symposium are world renowned for their field of expertise and I am sure that points like the one that you made here will be discussed in detail.

Have you bought your seat?

re: 2010 Thoroughbred Pedigree & Genetics Symposium Announced

Stud Book Reader — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:24 GMT

The speakers at the forthcoming Genetics Symposium (11 October) should be reminded that a pedigree does not mean a thing, it all depends on the individual horse. Northern Dancer had three brothers, Mr Prospector had four brothers, all were useless.. yet they had the same pedigree and genes..