Re: [Enduranceriders] genetics book

[Lif Strand <fasterhorses@gilanet.com>]

Joie - The book is Genetics and Horse Breeding by William E Jones
DVM, PhD, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia 1982.  I also have a book
by the same title by Jones and Ralph Bogart, Ph.D, Caballus Publishers,
Ft Collins CO  1973

I actually have read the earlier edition cover to cover, although I can't say I understood everything.  The preface to the 1982 book says that Jones was completing his work towards his Ph.D. in animal genetics under Dr. Bogart, at Oregon State U., and the 1973 book was a product of that.  The 1982 book is the same, but with updated genetic info.  I guess it's out of date now, but the material is still useful for a non-pro like me.

I like the book because, even though it's above my head, it's written clearly enough that I can puzzle the information out.  (I knew I should have taken more science courses in high school and college, but at the time it didn't seem necessary.  No, lets be honest, I didn't WANT to take them!)  Jones talks about how genetics works in breeding, heredity vs environment, and then goes into the specifics of equine genetics.  That's here it gets tough for me!  I originally got the books because Paul & I are interested in the Appy gene and its appearance throughout the world over the course of human/horse history.  This, in spite of being an Arab person.   Anyway, then Jones goes into using genetic knowledge in breeding, and finally throws in 150 pages of information on breeding management and procedure itself.  This is 660 pages of real good information, and if you are interested in the subject, I definitely recommend the book - at least as much as a person who is not a vet, or connected with the biological sciences in any way can recommend such a book!

If you can't find that book used, you can look for Equine Genetics & Selection Procedures which is one of those series of books offered by Equine Research Inc.  I've seen it in horse product catalogues and horse book catalogues, and I know it's still available.  I don't like it as much, but maybe it's just because the Jones book is a text book, thin slick pages, and EG&SP is not as high quality.  I'm a book nut - I'll never give up my books for computer texts!  Lif

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