1. What is the Coefficient of Inbreeding?

The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent from a common ancestor. It's a crucial metric in pet breeding to maintain genetic diversity and avoid health issues associated with inbreeding.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COI formula:

Where:

• \( n1 \) — Generations from sire to common ancestor
• \( n2 \) — Generations from dam to common ancestor
• The summation is over all common ancestors

Explanation: The equation calculates the probability that two alleles are identical by descent based on the pedigree relationships between the parents.

3. Importance of COI Calculation

Details: Monitoring COI helps breeders maintain genetic diversity, reduce the risk of inherited disorders, and make informed breeding decisions for healthier offspring.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter ancestors for both sire and dam (comma separated), specify the number of generations to analyze. Higher COI values indicate greater inbreeding.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a safe COI level for pet breeding?
A: Generally, COI below 5% is considered low risk, while values above 10% may indicate significant inbreeding that requires careful consideration.

Q2: How does COI affect pet health?
A: Higher COI increases the risk of inherited disorders, reduced fertility, and weakened immune systems due to loss of genetic diversity.

Q3: Can COI be reduced in breeding programs?
A: Yes, by introducing unrelated bloodlines, outcrossing, and carefully planning matings to minimize common ancestors.

Q4: How many generations should be considered?
A: Typically 5-6 generations provide a good balance between accuracy and practicality for COI calculations.

Q5: Are there breed-specific COI guidelines?
A: Some breed clubs and registries provide specific COI recommendations, and certain breeds may have different tolerance levels due to their genetic history.