title: Genetic evaluation of elbow scores and the relationship with hip scores in UK Labrador retrievers.
abstract: A linear mixed model analysis of elbow and hip score data from UK Labrador retrievers was used to estimate the heritability of elbow score (0.16-0.19) and to determine a moderate and beneficial genetic correlation with hip score (0.40). A small improvement in the genetic trend of elbow score was observed during the years 2000-2008, equivalent to avoiding only the worst 3-4% of scored dogs for breeding, but close to what may have been anticipated if the current British Veterinary Association-approved guidelines were followed. Calculations suggested that a correlated response to indirect selection on hip score may elicit a greater response than direct selection on elbow score and that the genetic trend in elbow score may be explained as a consequence of the stronger selection pressure that has been placed on hip score. Increases in the accuracy of estimated breeding values for elbow score of 4-7% for dogs with elbow data only and 7-11% for dogs with both hip and elbow score were observed from bivariate analysis of elbow and hip data. A selection index confirmed the benefits of bivariate analysis of elbow and hip score data by identifying increases in accuracy (directly related to the response to selection) of 14% from the use of optimum coefficients compared to use of hip data only. The quantified genetic correlation means that hip score effectively acts as a 'secondary indicator' of elbow score in this breed and the preponderance of hip data means that it acts as a major source of information that may be used to improve the accuracy of estimates of genetic risk for elbow dysplasia.
authors: Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK. tom.lewis@aht.org.uk
authors: T W
authors: TW
authors: Lewis
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Ilska
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Blott
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Woolliams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006615:Hip / Q000473:pathology*; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*; D010375:Pedigree; D011859:Radiography; D006113:United Kingdom