Inbreeding and relationship coefficients in the Finnish blue fox population

Abstract

Animal size has increased considerably in the Finnish blue fox population. This has been achieved by intensive selection. An efficient breeding scheme may increase inbreeding. The rate of inbreeding by generation was estimated to be from 0.107% to 0.191% depending on the considered years. Annual rate of inbreeding was estimated to be from 0.059% to 0.100% depending on the considered years. Effective population size was estimated to be at least 260. Thus, inbreeding seems not a major problem in the Finnish blue fox population. However, some of the best breeding farms in terms of estimated genetic level in animal size have the highest average inbreeding coefficient, as well. Advanced tools to restrict increase in coefficient of inbreeding may be needed in the future, and in some farms already.