Franches-Montagnes are the only horse breed with Swiss origins
Published: Monday, Oct 21st 2024, 13:10
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The Franches-Montagnes breed differs from other historically crossbred breeds. A study by Agroscope and several universities shows that Franches-Montagnes are genetically the only breed with Swiss origins.
The study is based on the genotypic data of over 1200 horses. The Freiberger breed was established in Switzerland at the end of the 19th century. It was created by crossing native mares with the two Anglo-Norman stallions Valiant and Imprévu. To meet market demand, horses of other breeds were later crossed, including Shagya, Arabian Thoroughbred, Nonius, Anglo-Norman, Selle Francais and Swiss Warmblood.
The crosses resulted in heavy horses for agricultural work and light horse types for leisure riding and driving.
In order to record the genetic diversity of Freibergers in comparison to other breeds, the researchers in the current study by Agroscope and several universities used a method that takes into account relationships, the proportion of foreign blood and inbreeding. In addition to the Freibergers, horses of the Warmblood, Arabian Thoroughbred, Shagya and English Thoroughbred breeds were also examined.
The study found that, on average, Freibergers show less inbreeding than many other European breeds. The data would also indicate a loss of genetic diversity due to the popularity of certain stallions.
According to the authors of the study, original Friberger horses, which are considered purebred, should be integrated into the Freiberger breeding population in order to prevent inbreeding. The latter are descended from European breeds. Breeders should also not deliberately focus on rare coat colors such as black and grey in Freibergers.
©Keystone/SDA
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