HORSE SPORT IRELAND PUBLISH 2024 IRISH DRAUGHT GENETIC DIVERSITY REPORT

  • 1 August 2024, 16:35

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is pleased to announce the publication of the 2024 Irish Draught Genetic Diversity Report, prepared by HSI geneticist Dr. Jennifer Doyle. This report offers an in-depth analysis of the genetic diversity of the Irish Draught horse breed from the comprehensive data available in the studbook database.

The Irish Draught horse is a designated rare breed under the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine where breed preservation and improvement towards the breeder defined breed standard is at the core of HSI’s breeding program for the studbook.

In 2024, HSI updated the studbook rules to enable certain mares, who have been deemed as being descendants from rare or threatened bloodlines, to automatically attain Class 1 upon presentation for linear profiling at an inspection. To attain an automatic Class 1 in 2024, the mare must have a mean kinship less than 1%, a Thoroughbred blood percentage less than 12.5%, a pedigree completeness index at generation 4 of 1, and an inbreeding % less than 6.25%. The studbook will contact the breeders of the mares who meet the criteria to attend inspection for studbook classification.

Key report highlights:

  • Use of uninspected stallions and mares: The report reveals an increase in the breeding of uninspected Class 4 stallions and mares, with the highest number recorded in 2023.
  • Foal statistics: In 2023, nearly 70% of foals were born to Class 1 stallions, with a total of 996 purebred Irish Draught foals born.
  • Inbreeding trends: The average inbreeding coefficient has not exceeded 1.75%, significantly below the acceptable level of 6.25% in livestock breeds.
  • Pedigree completeness: A notable improvement in pedigree completeness has been observed, with 92% of foals born in the last decade having all relatives recorded in the third generation.
  • Stallion contributions: The average number of progeny per stallion has decreased, reflecting a broader distribution of genetic material among the population.

Dr. Jennifer Doyle, Senior Geneticist at Horse Sport Ireland, said “I am delighted to present the 2024 Genetic Diversity report on the Irish Draught population. This report highlights the remarkable job that Irish Draught breeders are already doing to conserve the breed and I hope it can further support breeders to make informed decisions to protect the genetic diversity of the breed into the future.”

Dr. Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland, emphasized the importance of this report: “Understanding the genetic trends within the Irish Draught population allows us to make informed decisions to prevent inbreeding and maintain a robust, diverse gene pool. This is crucial for the breed’s future health and viability.”

Breeders and readers who wish to receive a printed copy (€15 inc VAT) can purchase it HERE. Where an order is received for delivery outside of the Island of Ireland an additional €5 postage fee will apply.

Separately, Irish Draught Studbook mare owners who wish to receive a 2-page digital report (€10 inc VAT) can order them HERE.
These individual reports include:

  • Mean kinship
  • Pedigree completeness at generation 4
  • Inbreeding %
  • Thoroughbred %
  • Relatedness to the following 6 stallions that were previously identified by breeders as the most influential stallions: Mountain Heather, Errigal, Milestone, King of Diamonds, Ben Purple, and Pride of Shaunlara.

Please note that these are only available to mares who are registered in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook of origin operated by Horse Sport Ireland.