Merging pedigree databases to describe and compare mating practices and gene flow between pedigree dogs in France, Sweden and the UK

Abstract

Merging pedigree databases across countries may improve the ability of kennel organizations to monitor genetic variability and health-related issues of pedigree dogs. We used data provided by the Societe Centrale Canine (France), Svenska Kennelklubben (Sweden) and the Kennel Club (UK) to study the feasibility of merging pedigree databases across countries and describe breeding practices and international gene flow within the following four breeds: Bullmastiff (BMA), English setter (ESE), Bernese mountain dog (BMD) and Labrador retriever (LBR). After merging the databases, genealogical parameters and founder contributions were calculated according to the birth period, breed and registration country of the dogs. Throughout the investigated period, mating between close relatives, measured as the proportion of inbred individuals (considering only two generations of pedigree), decreased or remained stable, with the exception of LBR in France. Gene flow between countries became more frequent, and the origins of populations within countries became more diverse over time. In conclusion, the potential to reduce inbreeding within purebred dog populations through exchanging breeding animals across countries was confirmed by an improved effective population size when merging populations from different countries.

Keywords

Breeding practice; dog; gene flow; genetic variability; merging pedigree databases

Published in

Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics
2017, volume: 134, number: 2, pages: 152-161

SLU Authors

• Wang, Shizhi

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA)

• Malm, Sofia

  • Swedish Kennel Club

• Strandberg, Erling

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Fikse, Freddy

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Genetics and Breeding

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12242

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/80538