Prediction of adult conformation traits from shape characteristics of Pura Raza Español foals

Horse conformation has been proposed as an indirect indicator of performance, since their genetic correlations are often positive and high. In Pura Raza Español (PRE) horses, the selection traits more related to functionality performance allows a pre-selection animals contributes towards saving costs increasing progress. The aim this paper is evaluate predictability 16 (14 body measurements 2 linear traits) in adult PRE focusing on foals. dataset included 155,716 records (82,408 young 73,308 horses) with from 142,244 different aged between 1-36 years old. Animals 1-3 old were ‘young’ group older ‘adult’ group. A univariate General Linear Model procedure followed by Tukey-post-hoc test used assess statistical significance non-genetic effects. Heritability values estimated univariately. fitted models breeder, age inbreeding (F) covariates, sex coat colour fixed Coat F significant for 75% 87.5% analysed, respectively; other effects analysed all traits. ranged 0.178±0.0063 0.795±0.0098 0.273±0.0038 0.894±0.0007 horses. horses above 0.75 93.75% which confirms efficiency based features predict performance.