Determinazione del coefficiente di parentela di una coppia di cani scelti per la riproduzione in un allevamento con estesa documentazione genealogica

Genetic variability and structure in domestic breeds largely depend on breeders’ decisions and practices. Selection for specialized types of animals may result in severe bottlenecks, leading to high rates of inbreeding. In addition, mating between close relatives is frequently used in dogs. Mortality of puppies significantly increases with inbreeding and positive correlation has been observed between the average coefficient of inbreeding and the occurrence of genetic diseases. The aim of this study was estimating the coefficient of kinship of two animals of “Pyrenees Mountain Dog” breed, selected for reproduction. Genealogical data of the two animals included 111 dogs distributed among 11 generations. The estimated kinship coefficient was 11.97 %, corresponding to a value of the inbreeding coefficient of their offspring of 5.98 %; this value was lower than that observed in the previous generation. Although those results may seem encouraging, it is concluded that high level of attention is necessary to avoid critical levels of inbreeding in the future, by means of correct managing of matings.