1. What is the Kennel Club Inbreeding Coefficient?

The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) calculates the probability that two copies of a gene pair are identical by descent from a common ancestor. It's a crucial measure in dog breeding to manage genetic diversity and reduce inherited disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Kennel Club 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 in the pedigree

Explanation: The equation accounts for both the generational distance and the existing inbreeding in common ancestors.

3. Importance of COI Calculation

Details: COI helps breeders make informed decisions to maintain genetic diversity, reduce risk of inherited disorders, and improve overall breed health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of generations back to common ancestors, count of common ancestors, and their average inbreeding coefficient (0 for unrelated).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an acceptable COI?
A: Generally, COI below 6.25% is considered low risk, while above 12.5% may significantly increase health risks.

Q2: How many generations should be considered?
A: Most kennel clubs recommend at least 5 generations for meaningful COI calculations.

Q3: What's the difference between COI and AVK?
A: COI measures inbreeding while AVK (Ancestor Loss Coefficient) measures genetic diversity in the pedigree.

Q4: Can COI predict specific health problems?
A: No, COI indicates overall risk but doesn't predict specific disorders - genetic testing is needed for those.

Q5: How can I reduce COI in my breeding program?
A: Strategies include outcrossing, using less related mates, and increasing the genetic pool through careful selection.