Course code LauZ6126
Credit points 7.50
Total Hours in Course200
Number of hours for lectures40
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes40
Independent study hours120
Date of course confirmation16.04.2019
Responsible UnitInstitute of Animal Science
Dr. agr.
Mg. agr.
LauZ5143, Biological Basis of Animal Husbandry
LauZ5160, Animal Genetics and Breeding
LauZ5163, Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Animal Nutrition
LauZ5164, Research Methodology in Animal Husbandry
LauZM028 [GLAUM028] Horse Breeding
Estimation of horse genetic quality and selection efficiency, selection objectives, horse performance testing methods and using of performance data to estimate breeding value, realizing of breeding programmes for the improvement of breeds, preservation of local endangered breeds and reconstruction of breeds.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
After completing the course Master student will have:
•knowledge about breeding methods and breeding programmes appropriate for horse breeds of different direction of use, estimation of horse genetic quality – individual works, written examination.
•skills to work out breeding programme for horse breeding, estimate characteristic values of horses of different type, organize horse performance testing and use performance data to estimate genetic quality –individual works. •competences to analyse achieved breeding results, consult and manage breeding programme in horse breeding –individual works, written examination.
After completing the course Master student will have:
• knowledge about breeding methods and breeding programmes appropriate for horse breeds of different direction of use, estimation of horse genetic quality – individual works, written examination.
• skills to work out breeding programme for horse breeding, estimate characteristic values of horses of different type, organize horse performance testing and use performance data to estimate genetic quality –individual works.
• competences to analyze achieved breeding results, consult and manage breeding programme in horse breeding –individual works, written examination.
1. The economic significance of the horse breeding.Lectures 4h
2. The identification methods of horses. Lectures 3h, practical works 3h.
3. The International Federation of Equestrian sports (FEI). Equestrian sport competition and importance in development of horse breeding.Lectures 3h.
4. The characteristic values of quality of horses. Lectures 3h, practical works 4h.
5. Performance testing methods. Lectures 3 h, practical works 2h.
6. Scoring of pedigree and type. The body measurements for characterization of breed. Lectures 3h, practical works2h.
7. The conformation and its importance for horses of different use.Lectures 3h, practical works 2h.
8. The performance and its importance in estimation of the genetic value in horse breeding. Lectures 3h, practical works 2h.
9. Individual work 1. The determination of horse productivity and use of performance data. 5h
10. Breeding programmes in horse breeding. Use of relative and acceptable horse breeds for Latvian Warmblood. Lectures 3h, practical works 2h.
11. The local endangered horse breeds, characterisation and directions of use. Lectures 3h, practical works 2h.
12. Methods of estimation of breeding values and application. Selection indexes. Lectures 2 h, practical works 3h.
13. The features of use of breeding methods in horse breeding. Lectures 2h, practical works 3h.
14. The methods of estimation the quality of progeny, possibilities to improve the methods. Lectures 2h, practical 3h.
15. Individual work 2. Breeding methods and their application for improvement and preservation of horse breeds. 5h.
16. Importance of horse training in performance testing..Physiological and biochemical changes in duration of training. Lectures 3h, practical works 2h
Summary exam consists of an arithmetic mean of grades obtained in two seminar and individual works and written examination.
Synopsis of scientific literature on the topics chosen as a result of a teacher-student agreement, at least 6 p. A4 format.
The individual works are graded with a mark. The resulting marks are included in the final evaluation. The final assessment is a summary exam consisting of grades of two individual work and written examination.
1.Davies Morel M. C. G. (1999.) Equine reproductive, psychology, breeding and stud management. – Cambridge: CABI Publishing – 450 p.
2.Seržāns A. (1986.) Zirgkopība. - R.: Zvaigzne, - 222 lpp.
3.Warren J., Borton A., Hintz H. (1997.) The Horse. – 2nd ed. – New York: W. H. Freeman and Company.,– 860 p.
1.Baltakmens R. (2000.) Latvietis un viņa zirgs. - R.: A/S "Valters un Rapa", - 383 lpp.
2.Baltakmens R. (1990.) Bērie, sirmie, dūkanie. - R.: Zinātne, - 210 lpp.
3.Bowling A. T. (1997.) Horse genetics. – Wallingford: CAB International,–200p.
4.Schacht Ch. (2012) The sport horse conformation. - Trafalgar Square North Pomfret, Vermont,- 136p. 5.The genetics of the horse (2000.) / A. T. Bowling, A. Ruwinsky. – Oxon: CABI Publishing,– 527 p.
Latvijas Lauksaimniecības datu centrs, audzēšanas programmas un nozares likumdošana https://www.ldc.gov.lv/lv/likumdosana/nacionala/
Latvijas Šķirnes zirgu audzētāju asociācija www.lszaa.lv
Latvijas Zirgaudzētāju biedrība www.lzb.lv
Pasaules Sporta zirgu audzēšanas federācija www.wbfsh.org.
Optional course for Master study programme “Agriculture” specialization on Animal husbandry