HORSE Sport Ireland has launched an innovative genomic grade up rule for Irish Draught horses, which will allow horses without pedigree documentation to be considered for entry into the breeding programme based solely on their genetic profile. Using advanced genomic tools applied to a hair sample, HSI can now assess whether an animal carries the core genetic make-up of an Irish Draught. This, in turn, can provide a pathway for identifying and restoring rare or long-absent Irish Draught bloodlines, which will serve to strengthen the future of Ireland’s national breed.

Each application is reviewed on an individual basis, whereby the HSI geneticist provides a recommendation to HSI’s Head of Breeding. Should an application be approved, the horse in question may be designated G-Grade Up within the Supplementary Section of the studbook, and their progeny by or out of another Irish Draught will be eligible for inclusion in the main studbook. The genomic test fee is €200, and any consequent passport changes will incur additional fees. Completion of the test does not guarantee approval or entry into the Irish Draught studbook.

Investigating

HSI is also investigating the use of the same genomic tools in Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) designation, with the aim of further supporting and safeguarding TIH breeding. Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at HSI, said: “This is a significant and forward-looking step for the Irish Draught Studbook.

“Through the microsatellite (MS) to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) transition, the studbook has embraced existing genomic research and genomic technologies, which have the power to protect the integrity of the breed while creating new opportunities to reintroduce valuable bloodlines that may otherwise be lost. It marks a major milestone in how we conserve and strengthen the Irish Draught populations, with significant potential for development in the TIH population and, where other studbooks are interested, other native rare breeds.”