engleski

Evaluation of linear conformation traits of the autochthonous horse breeds in Croatia

Autochthonous coldblood breeds make the most numerous breed group of horses in Croatia. Their systematic breeding started in the 19th century in Međimurje, Podravina and Posavina. The population of Posavina horse have small variability of conformation features, mostly conditioned by breeding area. In the Croatian Coldblood population two breed types have been noticed (the first type is a bigger body frame, rougher head and stronger bone base, the second type is a bit lighter, smaller head and smaller body frame). The Murinsulaner horse is in the stage of a breeding consolidation (small effective population size).The horse linear conformation traits is of significant importance for its use and breeding value. The linear conformation means the proportionality of built, body measures, movement and axis centres, postures and leg structure, hoof quality and the movement. The research has been 258 horses included (120 Posavina horses, 120 Croatian Coldblood and 18 Murinsulaner horses) for 34 traits. Posavina horse has a significant difference of expressed linear conformation traits in comparison with the Croatian Coldblood and Murinsulaner horse. The difference of expressed linear traits between the Croatian Coldblood and Murinsulaner horse is not significant for most traits.The use of linear evaluation model for the horse conformation as a routine method could help in better gaining knowledge of the autochthonous breeds.

Linear conformation; autochthonous breeds; horses; Croatia

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