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 world. The scientific theory of animal breeding incorporates population genetics, quantitative genetics, statistics, and recently molecular genomics.

Contents

1-Traits of economic importance in farm animals

2- selection of dairy heifers and bulls

3-use of standardized records,relative economic values

4- breeding values and selection indices crossbreeding for milk and meat production

5-Traits of economic importance in poultry and their improvement

6- formation of breeding stock for layers and broilers, development of dual purpose birds and rural poultry.

7-National breeding policy for improvement and conservation of livestock.

8- Review of the animal breeding practices used by the developed countries.

9-Future breeding plans for genetic improvement of farm animals in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan.

10-Emerging bio-technologies for increasing animal productivity.

Practical

1-Exercises on the maintenance and standardization of productive and reproductive records.

2- Estimation breeding value using standardized records.

3-Exercises on the estimation of relative economic values.

4-Construction of selection indices for large and small animals.

5- Orientation of computer packages for animal conservation and evaluation.

Books Recommended

1. Kintore, C. 2013. Recent Advances in Animal Breeding. DK publishers and distributors, Delhi, India.

2. Lasley, J. F. 1987. Genetics of Livestock Improvement. Prentice-Hall international Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

3. McDowell, R.E. 1994. Dairying with Improved Breeds in Warm Climates. Kinnic Publishers, Inc., Raleigh, NC. USA.

4. Muir, W.M. and S.E. Aggrey. 2003. Poultry Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, UK.

5. Simm, G. 1998. Genetic Improvement of Cattle and Sheep. Farming Press, Miller Freeman, UK.