Genetic parameters for traits at performance test of stallions and correlations with traits at progeny tests in Swedish warmblood horses

Genetic parameters for traits evaluated in the Swedish stallion performance test (SPT) and correlations between stallion performance test traits and 4-year-old offspring results from field tests were estimated. Heritability coefficients were on average 0.40 for individual gaits under rider and 0.23–0.47 for jumping traits at SPTs. Repeatabilities between tests at 6-month intervals were 0.75–0.77 for gaits and 0.38–0.58 for jumping traits. The genetic correlation between the gaits ranged from 0.30 to 0.71. Positive genetic correlations were found between gaits under rider and jumping traits (0.14–0.54), thus breeding for both characteristics is facilitated. Free jumping results were highly correlated (0.93) to results in jumping under rider, and because of their higher heritability the former are very suitable for selection purposes. Genetic correlation estimates between a trait in SPT and the same trait at 4-year-old offspring field test were unity for gaits under rider and jumping. The genetic correlations between gaits and jumping at the two different tests were 0.26–0.35. It was concluded that the field tests are well suited for early progeny testing of the stallions, and will improve the accuracy in selection of stallions for performance traits.  2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.