Animal Genetic Improvement

This book addresses the bases of quantitative genetics and the methodology for animal genetic improvement. It takes a problem-and-solution approach to learning, providing an invaluable introduction to the topic while readying students for future careers by presenting how genetic improvement companies are organised, and their selection programs.

Breeding for improved results is not a new phenomenon, but with current issues such as climate change, food insecurity and the need for greater sustainability within the agriculture industry, breeding and genetic improvement is a fundamental aspect of animal science. Bringing together the three main areas of animal breeding into one text, this book combines quantitative genetics and the methodology for animal genetic improvement, specific aspects of livestock species genetics, and a review of how genetic improvement companies are organized and their selection programs. Written with a student focus for those studying animal agriculture and animal science, it covers the quantitative genetics needed to apply genetic improvement methods, selection indices, use of the linear model in genetic improvement, and genomic selection and gene detection. It also expands into breed and conservation programs, genetic improvement schemes in both prolific and low-prolific species, and the future of animal genetic improvement. This book: - Aids learning, organized with each chapter benefiting from an introduction to the main topics to be learnt, and ending with a list of important main concepts, problems to be solved (with their solutions) and a test for self-assessment. - Supplies further mathematical demonstrations in handy extra appendices. - Uses examples from across pigs, poultry, rabbits, cattle, sheep, goats to provide a rounded overview of the topic. Beyond knowing how to apply a program in R or Python, it is essential that students understand the fundamental concepts of quantitative genetics. Providing an essential skill for their training, this book also aids professional development, and ensures sound interpretation of the results of selection programs.