Genetic parameters estimation and breeding values prediction for linear described traits in the Old Kladruber horse

Genetic parameters estimates and breeding values for 36 conformation traits repeatedly observed over 16 years with a linear description of the type were evaluated for 977 Old Kladruber horses. The genetic parameters were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method with a multitrait animal model. The model included the following fixed effects: breed variant, herd, breed variant x herd interaction, sex, age at description, and year of description. Random effects, such as the individual and permanent environmental effect of the animal, were also included. The heritability estimates for traits were between 0.04 and 0.65, while the values of genetic correlation were in the interval of -0.68 to 0.96. Standard deviations of the breeding values of conformation traits were between 0.14 and 1.03. The breeding values will be used for more effective selection of typical conformation traits in the Old Kladruber horse.