Genetic improvement of farmed animals

Abstract

Abstract\n This 484-paged book is an extensively updated and expanded edition of the previous book by Simm, which focused on cattle and sheep. It has 14 chapters, the first chapter in the book sets the scene for modern livestock breeding, by looking at the origins and roles of today s livestock breeds. The next four chapters deal with the scientific principles of livestock improvement. Chapter 2 outlines some of the basic principles in genetics and attempts to illustrate the link between genes and the performance of individual farm animals, or populations of them. In Chapter 3 the main strategies for genetic improvement are discussed. The factors which affect responses to within-breed selection, and some of the tools and technologies used, especially for more effective within-breed selection, are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 6 explores in more depth how we analyse variation in farm animals. Chapter 7 discusses approaches to predicting breeding values. Chapters 8 to 13 deal with the application of these principles in practical breeding programmes in dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goats, poultry, pigs and aquaculture. Finally, Chapter 14 discusses some of the key societal, technical and ethical challenges facing farm animal production in general, and animal breeding and genetics in particular. It discusses how livestock breeders, scientists and others might respond to ensure wide societal and animal benefits from future breeding schemes. There is a glossary of technical terms at the end of the book.