1. What is the COI Calculation?

The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent. It's particularly important in dog breeding to assess genetic diversity and potential health risks in mixed breed dogs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COI formula:

Where:

• \( n1 \) — Generations from sire
• \( n2 \) — Generations from dam

Explanation: The formula calculates the probability that two alleles are identical by descent based on the number of generations separating the common ancestors through both parental lines.

3. Importance of COI Calculation

Details: Calculating COI helps breeders make informed decisions about pairings, maintain genetic diversity, and reduce the risk of inherited disorders in mixed breed dogs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of generations from the sire and dam to the common ancestor. Values must be non-negative integers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a safe COI percentage for mixed breed dogs?
A: Generally, a COI below 5% is considered low risk, while values above 10% may indicate significant inbreeding and increased health risks.

Q2: How does COI affect dog health?
A: Higher COI values are associated with increased risk of inherited disorders, reduced fertility, and decreased overall vitality.

Q3: Can COI be zero in mixed breed dogs?
A: While rare, a COI of zero is possible if there are no common ancestors in the pedigree within the generations considered.

Q4: How many generations should be considered for accurate COI calculation?
A: Most breeders consider 5-8 generations for a comprehensive COI assessment, as the contribution of ancestors diminishes with each generation.

Q5: Does this calculator work for purebred dogs too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to both mixed breed and purebred dogs, though purebreds typically have higher COI values due to smaller gene pools.