Introduction

For this project, students will apply their knowledge of genetics, COI calculations, and breeding strategies to develop comprehensive breeding plans aimed at maintaining optimal genetic diversity. This hands-on project will enable students to practice the skills they have learned and understand the practical applications of genetic management in dog breeding programs.

Project Overview

Objective: Students will develop a breeding plan for a specific breed, ensuring optimal genetic diversity while achieving specific breeding goals. The project will involve calculating COIs, selecting breeding pairs, and planning for health monitoring and evaluation of offspring.

Materials Needed:

• Pedigree information for a chosen breed
• Access to genetic testing results or hypothetical genetic data
• Excel or similar spreadsheet software for COI calculations and record-keeping
• Research resources (e.g., breed club guidelines, scientific articles)

Steps to Complete the Project

1. Choose a Breed: Students should select a breed they are interested in. They can use real data from their own dogs if available, or they can use provided hypothetical data for the project.

2. Gather Pedigree Information: Collect pedigree information for at least three generations for several potential breeding dogs. This will be used to calculate COIs and assess genetic diversity.

3. Perform Genetic Testing: If using real data, ensure that all breeding dogs have undergone comprehensive genetic testing. If using hypothetical data, students should be provided with genetic testing results, including information on carriers and affected dogs for specific genetic disorders.

4. Calculate COIs: Use the Excel template provided in the course to calculate the COIs for potential breeding pairs. Students should aim to keep COIs below 10% to maintain genetic diversity.

5. Define Breeding Goals: Students should clearly define their breeding goals, which may include:

• Reducing the incidence of specific genetic disorders
• Improving conformation to breed standards
• Enhancing performance or behavioral traits

6. Select Breeding Pairs: Based on the COI calculations and genetic testing results, students should select breeding pairs that best meet their breeding goals while maintaining genetic diversity.

7. Develop the Breeding Plan: Students should create a detailed breeding plan that includes:

• Selected breeding pairs
• Expected outcomes for health, conformation, and performance traits
• Health monitoring protocols for offspring
• Timeline for matings and evaluations

8. Monitor and Adjust: Students should outline a plan for monitoring the health and development of the offspring, including regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing as necessary. They should also include strategies for adjusting the breeding plan based on the results of each breeding cycle.

Example Project Outline

Title: Breeding Plan for Golden Retrievers to Reduce Hip Dysplasia

Objective: Reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in the breeding population while maintaining genetic diversity and achieving breed standard conformation.

1. Breed Selection: Golden Retrievers

2. Pedigree Information: Collected pedigrees for 10 potential breeding dogs, each with three generations of ancestry.

3. Genetic Testing Results:

• Hip Dysplasia: 3 dogs are clear, 5 are carriers, 2 are affected.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): All dogs are clear.
• Ichthyosis: 4 dogs are carriers, 6 are clear.

4. COI Calculations:

• Calculated COIs for all possible pairings.
• Selected pairs with COIs below 5%.

5. Breeding Goals:

• Reduce hip dysplasia incidence.
• Maintain or improve conformation to breed standards.
• Enhance temperament traits for family companions.

6. Selected Breeding Pairs:

• Pair 1: Dog A (clear for hip dysplasia, COI 4%) x Dog B (carrier, COI 3%)
• Pair 2: Dog C (clear, COI 2%) x Dog D (clear, COI 5%)

7. Breeding Plan:

• Timeline: First mating planned for Spring, follow-up mating in Fall.
• Health Monitoring: Monthly check-ups for pregnant females, hip evaluations at 12 months for offspring.
• Evaluation: Assess conformation at 6 months and 1 year, temperament tests at 1 year.

8. Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Monitor hip health and overall development.
• Adjust pairings based on offspring health outcomes and genetic testing results.

Conclusion

Through this project, students will gain practical experience in applying genetic principles to real-world breeding scenarios. They will learn how to balance genetic diversity with specific breeding goals and understand the importance of continuous monitoring and adjustment in a successful breeding program. This hands-on experience will prepare them to manage breeding programs effectively, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of dog breeds.