Genetic Improvement
of Cattle and Sheep
by Dr. Goeff Simm
Head of Genetics & Reproduction - Scottish Agricultural College
published by Farming Press September 1998
Paperback 448 pages Approx price: US$50 UK£25
Contents
The Origins of Today's Livestock Breeds
- Natural Selection & Evolution
- Domestication
- Origins of Livestock Breeds
Genes, Genetic Codes & Genetic Variation
- Chromosomes & Genes
- Structure & Function of Genes
- DNA & Genetic Codes
- Loci & Alleles
- Transfer of Genetic Codes during Cell Division
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
- Mutation
- Tracking Genes across Generations
- Genes, Genotypes & Phenotypes
- Predicting Outcome of Matings
- Genotype & Gene frequencies
- Sources of Genetic Variation
- Types of Gene Action
- Additive & Non-additive Gene Action
- Co-dominance, No dominance or Additive
- Complete Dominance
- Partial Dominance
- Overdominance
- Other types of Gene Action & Inheritance
- Sex-linked Genes
- Sex-limited Genes
- Sex-influenced Genes
- Genomic Imprinting
- Pleiotropy
- Epistasis
- Incomplete Penetrance & Variable Expressivity
- Cytoplasmic or Mitochondrial Inheritance
- Names of Genes & Abbreviations
- Nature of Traits of Interest in Farm Animals
- Qualitative & Quantitative Traits
- Genetic & Environmental Influences
- Traits affected by single genes
- Traits affected by multiple genes
- Measuring Variation in Peformance
- Measuring Association between traits & animals
- Phenotypic, Genetic & Environmental Associations
Strategies for Genetic Improvement
Structure of Livestock Industries
Selection between Breeds
Selection within Breeds
Crossbreeding
Conservation of Genetic resources
What Affects Response to Selection?
Factors Affecting Rates of Genetic Gain
- Selection Differential
- Heritability
- Generation Interval
- Useful Formula for predicting Response
- Selection Intensity & Generation Interval: Link
- Using Information from Relatives
- Accuracy of Selection
- Additive Genetic Standard Deviation
- Practical Example
- Using Repeated Records of Peformance
- Predicting Correlated Responses to Selection
- Limitations to these Predictions
Controlling Inbreeding
Predicting Breeding values
Management of Candidates for Selection
Adjusting Records of Performance
- Additive Correction Factors
- Multiplicative Correction Factors
- Standardising to Adjust Records
Predicting Breeding Values
- Clues to Animal's Breeding Value
- Calculating PBVs
- Selection Indexes
- BLUP
- How BLUP works
- BLUP models
- Direct & Maternal Genetic Effects
- Single & Multi-trait BLUP
- Benefits of BLUP
- Using Economic Values with BLUP
- Estimates of Heritabilities & Correlations
- Scale of Presentation of Genetic Merit
- Accuracies & Reliabilities
International Conversions & Evaluations
Dairy Cattle Breeding
Breeding Goals
Breeds & Crosses used in Dairying
Selection within Breeds
- Progeny Testing Schemes
- Nucleus Breeding Schemes
- MOET Schemes
- Milk Recording
- Fertility & Health
- Feed Intake, Liveweight & Body Condition
- Milk Production
- Indices of Overall Economic Merit
- Practical Guidelines on Selection
Beef Cattle Breeding
Breeding Goals in Dairy & Dual-Purpose Breeds
Terminal Sires for Dairy & Specialised Beef Herds
Replacement Females for Beef Herds
Breeds & Crosses for Beef
- Progeny Testing
- Performance Testing
- MOET Nucleus Schemes
- Steps in Genetic Evaluation
- Evaluations across Herds, Breeds, Countries
- Indices of Overall Economic Merit
- Value of Genetic Improvement
- Practical Guidelines on Selection
Sheep Breeding
Meat Production
Wool Production
Milk Production
Multi-Purpose Breeding Goals
Breeds & Crosses
- Meat Production
- Wool Production
- Milk Production
- Dual Purpose Meat & Wool
Selection Within Breeds
- Meat Production
- Wool Production
- Milk Production
Practical Guidelines on Selection
- Selection Between Breeds or Crosses
- Selection of Rams (or Semen) for Purebred Flock
- Selection of Replacement Females for Purebred Flock
- Selection of Replacement Rams & Ewes: Commercial Flock
New Technologies
Artificial Insemination
Multiple Ovulation & Embryo Transfer
In Vitro Production of Embryos
Semen & Embryo Sexing
Cloning Embryos
Molecular Genetic Technologies
Genome Mapping
- Linkage Maps
- Physical Maps
- Creating a Consensus Map
Molecular Markers in Selection
Gene Transfer
Ethics of New Technologies
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Review
(by Dr. Michael Meredith, Editor of
Animal Breeding and Infertility)
This amazingly comprehensive textbook outlines the principles and practice behind recent advances
in livestock genetics. It catalogues the dramatic improvements brought about by artificial
insemination, progeny testing, BLUP (Best Linear Unbaised Prediction), MOET & Molecular Genetics.
These new technologies have transformed meat production & quality as well as milk and wool production.
Readers with no knowledge of genetics will find
the jargon and detail a bit overwhelming at first, but perseverance will be rewarded!
The novice breeder or genetics student will find a clear and comprehensive introduction to
genetics and practical livestock breeding. The first few
chapters cover the basics of genetics inheritance patterns and mating systems. Subsequent chapters
explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with many useful and easily understood
tables, charts and graphs plus practical examples.
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