Pedigree analysis of Polish Arabian horses based on founder contributions

The genetic structure of Polish Arabian horses over 50 years of breeding was studied based on founder contribution analysis. Data from 1032 brood mares and 154 sires in national studs, between 1948 and 1997, were analysed. Postwar Arabs are descended from 213 founders. During 50 years of breeding, there were increases in both the average number of founders in one pedigree (from 67.19 to 158.87) and in the proportion of the founders appearing in every pedigree (from 0% to 38.4%). The increase in mean kinship and inbreeding coefficient were also found. These results may be recognised as evidence of a reduction in genetic diversity of Polish Arabian horses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]