Animal breeding

Animal breeding is a branch of animal science that addresses the evaluation (using best linear unbiased prediction and other methods) of the genetic value (estimated breeding value, EBV) of livestock. Selecting for breeding animals with superior EBV in growth rate, egg, meat, milk, or wool production, or with other desirable traits has revolutionized livestock production throughout the entire world. The scientific theory of animal breeding incorporates population genetics, quantitative genetics, statistics, and recently molecular genetics and is based on the pioneering work of Sewall Wright, Jay Lush, and Charles Henderson.

History

The domestication of livestock was driven by the need to have food on hand when hunting was unproductive. The desirable (but possibly, at first, accidental) discovery of the ability of a few animals to be controlled for the purposes of providing food and other products led to the eventual breeding of domesticated animals. Through breeding, different species of animals have been developed that produce a large amount of meat, milk, or other valuable products or services.

Modern animal breeding

Modern animal breeding relies on the science of genetics. With the knowledge of genetics, animal breeders can accurately predict the results of different mating combinations. There is also a science to the selection of animals for breeding, known as animal selection. Animal breeders use principles of genetics and knowledge of the inheritance of traits to make informed decisions about the animals they choose for breeding.

Breeding methods

There are several methods used in animal breeding. These include:

• Inbreeding: This is the mating of closely related animals. This method can increase the chances of an animal inheriting desirable traits, but it can also increase the risk of inheriting harmful traits.

• Outbreeding: This is the mating of unrelated animals. This method can increase the genetic diversity of a population, which can make it more resilient to changes in the environment.

• Crossbreeding: This is the mating of animals from different breeds. This method can result in offspring that have the desirable traits of both parent breeds.

• Selective breeding: This is the selection of animals for breeding based on their traits. This method can result in a population of animals that have a high frequency of desirable traits.

See also

• Genetics
• Animal science
• Animal selection
• Inbreeding
• Outbreeding
• Crossbreeding
• Selective breeding

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