Animal Breeding and Genetics

This book presents an overview of applied breeding techniques for various domesticated animal species, as they are currently practiced. It provides a concise history of population genetics, the domestication of livestock, the classification of breeds, the economic characteristics of different livestock and poultry species, and their significance. Additionally, the book discusses basic statistics, inheritance patterns, gene and genotype frequency, factors affecting gene frequency, population values and means, methods for estimating and utilizing heritability and repeatability, correlations, selection, and response to selection. The book also covers progeny testing, open nucleus breeding systems, sire evaluation, breeding or mating systems, heterosis or hybrid vigor, and current livestock and poultry breeding programs. The book is organized in a logical sequence to facilitate easy comprehension, starting with simple concepts and progressing to more complex topics. It is intended for graduate and postgraduate students of animal breeding, as well as researchers, and aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic science of animal breeding.