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Model assessment for ranking traits of Criollo horses participating in endurance trials
The purpose of the study was to compare models for genetic evaluation of performance in Criollo horse in Uruguay for endurance trials. Data comprised 1236 individual records for time (Tm) and ranking (R) traits. R was fitted in univariate linear or threshold models, and under bivariate linear models with Tm. Model comparison was based on predictive ability, Spearman rank correlations and commonly top 10% ranked horses. Animal models that fitted year with a multivariate distribution were preferred because of similar or highest predictive ability. A bivariate approach between Tm and R traits seems a more appropriate way to analyse genetics of performance for Rbin or R4, and Tm can be fitted with relative ease. A simulation study is required for further analysis and may help define a model for genetic evaluation of performance of the Criollo horse in endurance competitions.
Keywords:
Criollo horse
Endurance
Genetic evaluation
