READINGS
To stimulate your thinking about issues in conservation breeding, we have compiled a short list of articles that offer a variety of perspectives. These draw not just on equine genetics research, but on work with canines, where the short generations and multiple offspring per litter have accentuated concerns within closed breeding populations. Inclusion of articles on this list does not imply agreement with or endorsement by the Institute with the various authors’ views. Rather, we present these because of the broad and, in same cases, contradictory viewpoints that lead one to reconsider one’s own beliefs.
We appreciate that the authors have allowed us to present these materials provided in PDF format. In all cases (both PDFs and the links to other sites), the authors retain copyright and all other reproduction, copying, and re-publication rights. Please respect those rights.
We welcome your suggestion for other articles to add to this list. Please contact with any suggestions, giving full citation and contact information for the author(s).
PDF files to view or download and print:
Introductory chapter in the book Saluqi: Coursing Hound of the East
by Gail Goodman
Challenges a number of myths about the saluqi, with a sweeping historical review of the area of origin of the Saluqi (which substantially corresponds to that of the asil Arabian horse), analysis of Arab cultural issues of "asil" breeding, and much more.
[Saluqi book/Goodman - 48 pgs, 8.2 Mb]
The Shrinking Straight Egyptian Gene Pool
by Michael Brookes, breeder in Ireland
One perspective on the future of breeding Straight Egyptian horses, given the closed gene pool and recent breeding trends.
[Shrinking SE Gene Pool/Brookes - 10 pgs, 204 Kb]
Asil Arabians: Diamonds Without Inclusions - Are Pure-bred Arabians Asil?
by Dr. Georg Olms
Discussion of genetic and cultural aspects of the asil Arabian horse by long-time breeder and founder of the Asil Club.
[Asil Arabians/Olms - 7 pgs, 252 Kb]
Selected Excerpts Discussing Inbreeding and Linebreeding in Arabian Horses
- various authors
Several brief comments from a variety of historic and contemporary researchers and breeders concerned with the asil Arabian horse.
[Inbreeding/Linebreeding/various - 2 pgs, 84 Kb]
Purebred Dog Breeds into the Twenty-First Century - Achieving Genetic Health for Our Dogs
by J. Jeffrey Bragg
Extended consideration of issues affecting breeding within closed gene pools, with extensive information on genetics applicable to horses as well as dogs. Jeff Bragg has led the Seppala Siberian Sleddog Project to conserve and recover this working breed.
[Siberian Sleddog/Bragg - 40 pgs, 228 Kb]
Code of Ethics/Guidelines for Breeders
The Africanis Society of Southern Africa
Breeding guidelines followed by those working to conserve the Africanis dog (a landrace breed) using "controlled" natural selection methods. Additional information at www.sa-breeders.co.za/org/africanis .
[Africanis code of ethics/Africanis Society - 2 pgs, 120 Kb]
Links to articles on other websites:
Questioning breeding myths in light of genetics
by Ann T. Bowling, PhD
Very readable commentary on using lessons from genetics to guide horse breeding decisions by one of the foremost experts on equine genetics. Excerpted from Dr. Bowling’s book, Horse Genetics, 1996, published by CAB International.
http://www.cmkarabians.com/articles/ABQuestBreedingMyths.html
Preservation Breeding and Population Genetics
by Michael Bowling
Long-standing "must read" for anyone involved in conservation breeding of Arabian horses.
http://www.cmkarabians.com/articles/MBPresBreedPopGenCMKR95.html
A new direction for kennel club regulations and breed standards
by Koharik Arman, DVM
Recently published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, this article lays out issues of breed "purity," the importance of retaining genetic diversity, and discusses the role of breed associations and veterinarians in helping to assure genetic health.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1950109
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