1. What is the Coefficient of Inbreeding?

The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) measures the probability that two copies of the same gene have been inherited from a common ancestor. It quantifies the genetic similarity between an individual's parents and helps assess the risk of inherited disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard COI formula:

Where:

• \( n \) — Number of generations separating the parents from their common ancestor
• \( F_a \) — Inbreeding coefficient of the common ancestor
• The sum is taken over all common ancestors

Explanation: The equation accounts for both the generational distance to common ancestors and their own inbreeding levels.

3. Importance of COI Calculation

Details: COI helps breeders make informed decisions to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inherited diseases in dog populations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of generations to analyze (typically 5-10), count all common ancestors in the pedigree, and estimate their average inbreeding coefficient if known.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a "safe" COI value?
A: Generally, COI below 6.25% over 5 generations is considered low risk, while above 12.5% may increase health concerns.

Q2: How many generations should I analyze?
A: Most breeders analyze 5-10 generations. More generations provide more accuracy but require more pedigree information.

Q3: What if I don't know the ancestors' inbreeding coefficients?
A: You can assume Fₐ = 0 if unknown, though this may slightly underestimate the true COI.

Q4: How does COI relate to genetic health?
A: Higher COI increases the chance of homozygous recessive traits, which can include both desirable traits and genetic disorders.

Q5: Can COI predict specific health problems?
A: No, COI only indicates overall genetic diversity. Specific health risks depend on the particular genes being inherited.