Dramatic fall in Draught stallions
The number of Irish Horse Board approved out-cross draught stallions available to Irish breeders has decreased dramatically, according to the RDS study. Breeders should be supported in reversing the trend, said Mr J P Finnegan, chairman of the Rare Bloodlines Trust of the Irish Draught Society.
“The study shows that the Draught Society must now utilise all rare bloodlines and genetic resources, including those outside of Ireland in Britain and North America,” he said.
“It is now more important than ever before that the Draught Society be given the latitude and support to pursue this course in the interests of the breed’s preservation.”
It was also found that in-breeding in the Irish Draught population has increased by 0.04% per year since 1979, and that 38% of the registered draughts born between 2000 and 2003 were inbred, at levels ranging from 1% to 14%. A breakdown showed 36% of stallions (22 animals), 39% of male foals (516) and 37% of all females (801) born in this period were inbred. The most dramatic increase in inbreeding occurred from 1996 onwards.
Due to the small number of Draught stallions, the number of out-cross or “least related” Irish Draughts being produced is falling. If this trend continues unchecked, it will lead to irreparable erosion of the genetic base, according to a statement issued by the RDS.
Funded by the RDS Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the study is being conducted by geneticists from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). The aim of the RDS project is to ensure that the breed can serve as a foundation breed for the Irish sport horse industry by broadening its genetic base.
