Russian horse breeding specialists use big data analysis to predict the reproductive value of male horses and identify those capable of producing offspring with the highest level of athletic performance.
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This technique relies on processing data on the performance results of potential male horses on racetracks, where an automated system analyzes the athletic achievements of candidates listed in the database. The researchers' main objective at this stage is to identify key indicators that demonstrate their ability to inherit championship traits.
The data analysis showed that the most promising horses for breeding are those that consistently perform well in middle-distance races (1800 to 2000 meters), as their genetic potential enables them to produce successful offspring in short-distance sprints, as well as long-distance endurance races.
“We put the indicators we need into the system,” says Alina Akimova, head of production at the Pyatigorsk racecourse. “In horse racing, it’s not just about speed, it’s also about endurance. Of course, speed is required, but it’s an inherited trait to a certain extent. Without endurance, the horse won’t be able to achieve the desired results, and that applies even to short sprint races. Moreover, these traits are inherited in a non-linear way.”
She adds that the combination of speed and endurance is inherent in horses throughout evolution, as the animal in the wild needs speed to escape predators and maintain it long enough to survive. The calculations also confirmed the traditional selection rule: the best horses are those that win group races.
