Research explores genomic inbreeding and late-term pregnancy loss.
New research from the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Cornell University, has found inbreeding to be a contributing factor in mid- and late-term pregnancy loss in Thoroughbreds.
This is the first study that explores the effect of genomic inbreeding levels on late-term pregnancy loss in the horse and will help inform mating choices to minimize the risk of miscarriages in Thoroughbreds.
Inbreeding is a common practice in horse breeding and livestock industries because individuals with desirable traits are highly prized. However, excessive inbreeding is known to increase the probability of uncovering homozygous recessive genotypes that previously have been associated with an increased risk of retained placenta and lower semen quality in horses.
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