Genetic parameters and influencing factors of racing performance in Thoroughbred horses I. Possibilities to measure racing performance (A review)

Abstract

Measuring the performance in most of livestocks does not make special problem. In contrast with this for companion animals, like horses it is more difficult. Esspecially in the case of horseracing (flat, hurdle, steeple-chase and trotting races), however there are numerous way to measure it. Criteria used to measure racing performance, environmental factors that influence it and estimates of genetic parameters are needed to estimate differences. In most cases estimated heritability of the examined traits (log of earning, rank, handicap weight, speed, stamina, and performance rates) was defined as low. In our first paper we are going to give a review of different ways to measure racing performance, the experienced heritabilites and correlations between them.