This message is from: "Green Valley Farm" <sop...@greenvalleyfarm.com>
This message is from Beth Beymer
Beth here again. Please accept my apologies, Lisa and Ruth. I am working
remotely and it was difficult to tell to whom to attribut particular
statements.
Perhaps there is not much difference in the dictionary definitions of
desireable and/or acceptable, I might find it desireable and acceptable to
have chocolate after dinner but somehow, the word desireable carries a bit
more passion and feeling.......;-)
Seriously, I do not desire to breed Fjord horses that display white
markings. Having said that, I know, as a breeder, there is a distinct
possibility of having a horse born with white markings, simply because there
is a high probability that all lines carry genes for white markings. Hasn't
happend on our farm...yet, but I just jinxed us for sure! It is believed
that the origin of the white markings in Fjord horses came with the
outcrossing to the Dole stallion, Rimfakse, but one has to wonder if there
were white markings in the breed prior to that? They say not, but is it
really true?
one of the foremost problems with directional
selection.. when you eliminate an obvious less-desirable facet--at the same
time you inadvertently eliminate other highly-desirable (less obvious)
characteristics which are all intrinsically tied together. Some of which
could
be vital to the breed as a whole; strong immune systems, optimum
reproductory
ability, stamina, intelligence, etc.
Yes, Ruth, this is true and is unfortunately something that our evaluation
system does not address adequately. Yes, one is required to have a
veterinarian complete a form about a particular horse's health, etc., but it
does not truly take into account the health, including reproductive health,
nor temperament of the line that the horse came from. Therefore the onus (in
our country and system) is on the breeder/owner to do their research
regarding the attributes they would like to help propogate when selecting
breeding candidates. It would be nice to be able to have easy access to
public knowledge about pairings that have produced more serious problems
than white markings!
Personally, I really don't see how this "selection process" for mating
individuals is any different from using horse show results or the flashiest
advertising, to make breeding selections, as was done prior to evaluations
(and is probably still done.)
>Am I advocating we pursue spotting? No. Do I have spotted Fjords out back?
No.
(which is not to say they may have them in their genetic mix). My position
is
that we adhere to the Fjord horse Standard and thereby allow the occasional
small white star, because I believe it would be detrimental to weed them
all
out.
Even some folks I have spoken with in other countries would agree with this,
particularly if an especially good individual came along, a really fine
breeding animal, something with all of the wonderful attributes we are
looking for in a Fjord, but bearing a small white spot. Even that individual
would, more likely than not, be approved for breeding.
Interesting about the dog breed. I am interested in hearing the results of
the genetics of white markings in horses, if they ever get there in my
lifetime.
The Fjord horse is a rare breed, if only by origin alone, a pure breed that
originated with a limited foundation; in truth it was inbred from the
onset--which is the way of all pure breeds. Their survival depends on
genetic
diversity within their ranks. The use of every possible bloodline and the
avoidance of overlapping (brought about by directional selection and
over-popular studs). Those Fjord white spots are firmly attached to an
allele
complement that is vital to the breed's full gene pool, therefore
desirable.
Yes, but I also know (and know that you also are concerned about this,
Ruthie) that we do not want to sacrifice breeding horses with good
temperaments and good conformation, etc., to ensure the genetic diversity of
the breed. Meaning, weak structure, poor eyesight, malalignment in the
limbs, etc. I believe that our breed currently has sufficient numbers to
avoid having to breed to individuals with serious conformation flaws to
ensure genetic diversity.
And I am not talking about using the evaluation system to breed to the horse
with the highest score. I am talking about taking the information obtained
from evaluation system to educate yourself about what is good conformation,
etc. to help make appropriate breeding pairings. And, I am not saying that a
horse should not be used for breeding because it has not been evaluated or
did not receive a blue ribbon. Just use the process for making educated
decisions. Unfortunately, some people use the system to breed "only the best
to the best" regarding the final numbers, which is NOT the intention of
development and use of the evaluation system.
Just in case this has not been clarified yet, the coat color of Fjords that
are white dun is not considered a white marking. The white dun coat color is
a dilution of the brown dun, hence the "bay" gene. I have yet to see a white
dun with a white marking? Anyone else ever see one?
My two cents....
Beth
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