The aim of this thesis was to research reproductive characteristics od Posavje horse in Slovenia. Posavje horse is a Slovenian indigenous horse breed that is spread throughout the country. Herdbook for this breed was established in 1993, but reproduction data were not recorded until 2009, when it was entered into the national Central Register od Equidae (CRK). The main source of income for most Posavje horse breeders are foals and horses that are sold for meat production. Consequently, one of the most important breeding goals is good fertility. This means that the mares are expected to have a foal every year. The breed is also known for efficient feed conversion and early maturity, which also enables efficient fattening of slaughter animals. The best offspring are selected for further breeding. To analyse the reproductive characteristics, data were obtained from the CRK. Statistical package SAS and MS Excel were used to prepare the data and to perform the statistical analysis. Logical controls are restriction to the birth year of miminum 2000 were applied. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form. The main observation is that an unexpectedly high percentage of females compared to males were registered. This leads to conclusion that not all foals are registered, and our results are underestimated. The data are not suitable for animal comparison. In order to be able to use the reproductive characteristics data for selection purposes, a proper recording environment should to be established to include all foals/foalings.
|