Health is an essential part of the breeding goal of the KWPN. Osteochondrosis (OC) is an important point of attention in this regard. To provide breeders with better insight into the hereditary predisposition for OC, the genomic breeding value for osteochondrosis has been developed.

Genetic predisposition

The genomic breeding value indicates the extent to which a horse has a genetic predisposition to pass on OC to its offspring, compared to the current KWPN population. This value is based on DNA analysis and therefore specifically reflects inheritance, not the clinical condition of the individual horse.

Application within breeding and selection

Stallions

Showjumping and dressage stallions presented for the second viewing must have:

  • a genomic breeding value for osteochondrosis (OC), which is (re)calculated prior to the second viewing;
  • a valid PROK assessment.

For stallions, a genomic breeding value of at least 96 is required; the D-OC predicate is awarded from a value of 99. A stallion with a genomic breeding value of 95 or lower may, in exceptional cases, still be approved if the (re)inspection committee considers that sufficient compensating qualities are present. In such cases, the PROK assessment must be positive without exception. Stallions that do not meet the PROK standard can only compensate with a genomic breeding value of at least 99, in accordance with the veterinary regulations.

Mares

Mare owners can use both the PROK predicate (based on radiographic examination) and the D-OC predicate to obtain the elite predicate. For mares, a stricter standard applies to the use of the D-OC predicate: to qualify for the elite predicate via D-OC, a genomic breeding value of at least 99 is required. Mares that already met the previous standard before this tightening retain their previously obtained predicate.

Register A mares

For Register A mares that are or become voorlopig keur (provisionally keur), the following applies:

  • provided they meet the performance requirements (IBOP, EPTM, or sport predicate), they can achieve the definitive keur predicate using either the D-OC or PROK predicate;
  • when using the D-OC predicate, the radiographic standards for the navicular bone and bone spavin must still be met, unless the sire has already met these requirements.