adverse effects of inbreeding

Inbreeding in the Thoroughbred has increased significantly in the last 45 years according to a research paper published in Scientific Reports, the Racing Post reported on Saturday. Professor Emmeline Hill, a co-author on the report, spearheaded the research conducted by University College Dublin and equine science company Plusvital. The DNA of over 10,000 Thoroughbreds was analyzed, with the result a marked increase of inbreeding within the population, as favourable racing traits were selected, as well as more popular sire lines. Ninety-seven percent of the horses in the study traced to...