Genomic Selection in Horse Breeding

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to present the general aspects of genomic selection in horse breeding and also to provide an overview of existing applications in horses breeding, with particular emphasis on the challenges of implementation and long-term use. Based on conducted review, it could be concluded that breeding organizations must convince horse breeders that genomic selection can be a valuable tool to increase selection success either in sports or in other horse breeding. Genomic selection (GS) allows breeders to evaluate the important traits of offspring even before its birth. GS uses genetic markers to test all relevant traits, including those that are currently very difficult to measure, such as disease resistance, meat quality, horse’s crest height, etc. Finally, to establish the relevant genomic selection in individual breeds or breeding types of horses, it is necessary to create a network of collaboration between breeding associations in order to gather all necessary data.