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~ Genotype versus Phenotype ~
Being as the Kiger breed was so isolated and small in size, we can safely say that they are all related in some form or fashion
- that they share the same strong genetics. Although some diversity is already in place, most of what we have is foundation
stock. As we take them out of their natural environment and start to selectively breed them, we are forever altering the genetic
state.
When choosing breeding partners, we have to consider if we are breeding phenotype or genotype. Phenotype breeding is simply
taking two individuals - without consideration of the genetics - and putting them together and hoping for the best. Not knowing
the strengths and weaknesses within each line, foaling will be inconsistent - some good, some bad - it can turn into luck
of the draw so to speak.
Whereas when breeding genotype, you have researched the lineage and know what traits are passed - hopefully good. You
can look at the get of a sire and see his stamp. Your mare is a consistent producer and passes on strong traits. Most breeding
stock should be similar genotype so you are sure of what you are producing. You will learn when you cross this mare with this
stallion what you will produce. You also know which crosses to stay away from, as the less than desirable traits are thrown.
When you breed similar genotypes not only will you get the strong good traits, but you will get the strong bad ones as well.
Crossing strong separate genotype lines will give you wonderful hybrid vigor for your pleasure or performance horses.
Hybrid vigor is the best of both worlds. You can do this within the same breed or outcrossing with another - making sure the
lineage is strong on each side.
Understand that when the DNA from the mare and the stallion come together they come in pairs - two from the stallion and
two from the mare. When they meet they split from the original pair and join with a new pair. One of each of the new pairs
will be dominant over the other, and this is what trait will be taken on. They do not gel into each other - one is dominant
over the other.
Example - if you breed a long backed horse to a short backed horse, you will not get something in between. The DNA will
pick up one trait from one line. Just as breeding a mild tempered horse with a difficult horse will most likely produce difficult
horses - as bad traits are usually the most dominant.
Educate yourself on the lineage before you breed. See what a stallion is producing before you commit - make sure that
the traits he is passing will work well with your mare. If a mare has a less than desirable personality, or is hard to train,
be assured this may be genetic and don't just breed her because nothing else can be done with her. And at the top of the list,
be willing to make a change if unwanted traits are passed.
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