Animal breeding
Animal Breeding
Animal breeding (/ˈænɪməl ˈbriːdɪŋ/), from the Old English brēdan meaning "to produce offspring", 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 world.
History
The history of animal breeding goes back to the domestication of animals. The earliest animal breeders used simple principles of selection for breeding. The science of animal breeding encompasses a broad range of techniques used in the genetic improvement of domestic species, including quantitative genetics, population genetics, and statistics.
Techniques
There are several techniques used in animal breeding. These include:
- Artificial selection: This is the intentional breeding of certain traits, or combinations of traits, over others to produce a desirable outcome.
- Crossbreeding: This involves the mating of animals from two breeds. Normally, breeds are chosen to complement each other in terms of their traits.
- Inbreeding: This is the mating of closely related animals, which can increase the probability of the offspring having certain desirable traits, but can also lead to inbreeding depression.
- Outbreeding: This is the mating of unrelated animals, which can increase genetic diversity and potentially bring together beneficial traits from different breeds.
Related Terms
- Genetic diversity: The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
- Selective breeding: The process by which humans breed other animals and plants for particular traits.
- Purebred: An animal whose ancestry contains only individuals of the same breed.
- Hybrid (biology): The offspring resulting from combining the qualities of two organisms of different breeds, varieties, species or genera through sexual reproduction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Animal breeding
- Wikipedia's article - Animal breeding
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