1. What is the Inbreeding Coefficient?

The Inbreeding Coefficient (COI) measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent from a common ancestor. It quantifies the degree of inbreeding in an individual's pedigree.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard COI formula:

Where:

• \( n1 \) — Number of generations from individual to ancestor through parent 1
• \( n2 \) — Number of generations from individual to ancestor through parent 2
• \( F_a \) — Inbreeding coefficient of the common ancestor

Explanation: The equation calculates the probability that two alleles are identical by descent based on the pedigree path through common ancestors.

3. Importance of COI Calculation

Details: COI is crucial in animal breeding, conservation biology, and human genetics to assess genetic diversity, predict health risks, and make informed breeding decisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of generations through each parent (n1 and n2) and the inbreeding coefficient of the common ancestor (0 if unknown). All values must be valid (n1, n2 ≥ 1, 0 ≤ F_a ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a COI of 0 mean?
A: A COI of 0 indicates no inbreeding - the parents are completely unrelated with no common ancestors.

Q2: What is considered a high COI?
A: Values above 0.0625 (equivalent to first cousins) are generally considered significant. Above 0.25 (sibling mating) is extremely high.

Q3: How does COI affect health?
A: Higher COI increases the risk of recessive genetic disorders and may reduce overall fitness (inbreeding depression).

Q4: Can COI be negative?
A: No, COI ranges from 0 (no inbreeding) to 1 (complete inbreeding).

Q5: How accurate is this single-path calculation?
A: This calculates COI for one path. For complete pedigree analysis, sum over all common ancestor paths.