It has been shown that most traits among animals, both desirable and desirable, are genetically determined and hence inheritable. This knowledge has transformed animal rearing practices in recent years. Using information from beef cattle genetics, it is possible for farmers to determine the quality of their yields if they have an idea of the genetic make-up of animals in their herds.
The process of propagating animals requires close cooperation between the producer and the veterinarian. The latter are trained in genetic studies and are for this reason best placed to advise the farmer on the best decisions to make regarding their stock. At the same time, they collect DNA samples from the animals to be subjected to testing.
Some background knowledge in genetics and inheritance is useful. It will help you understand why animals are reproducing in a given manner. The truth is that some of the concepts are easy to work out while others are not. The complex ones require that you seek expert advice. For this reason, you need to have a veterinarian nearby.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences or EPDs are the most widely used determinants of the choice of new herd bulls. In simple terms, EPDs are values that are used in the prediction of genetic quality of offspring born of a particular bull or cow. These numbers help the producer in obtaining suitable animals for their heard from a given database.
Using EPDs in decision making is undoubtedly challenging for the novice. On most occasions, there is need for formal training before one can make sense of the abbreviations that are used and interpret the values that are attached to them. Some characteristics that can be predicted by EPDs include, among others, feed efficiency, weight gain and carcass differences for offspring of genetically different animals.
In most cases, the phenotypic characteristics of an animal are an outward expression of the genetic composition. DNA testing is in some cases expensive for producers and in such cases, producers can use these attributes in making decisions. Characteristics frequently used include height, weight and general size.
Genetics has undoubtedly changed the practices of animal production. It is now easy to determine the quality of products through controlled reproduction. This is particularly useful to commercial producers whose main drive is quality. Many markers that can be used in testing have been identified. At the same time, smaller panels with the most specific and sensitive tests are now available to be used in animal selection.
The process of propagating animals requires close cooperation between the producer and the veterinarian. The latter are trained in genetic studies and are for this reason best placed to advise the farmer on the best decisions to make regarding their stock. At the same time, they collect DNA samples from the animals to be subjected to testing.
Some background knowledge in genetics and inheritance is useful. It will help you understand why animals are reproducing in a given manner. The truth is that some of the concepts are easy to work out while others are not. The complex ones require that you seek expert advice. For this reason, you need to have a veterinarian nearby.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences or EPDs are the most widely used determinants of the choice of new herd bulls. In simple terms, EPDs are values that are used in the prediction of genetic quality of offspring born of a particular bull or cow. These numbers help the producer in obtaining suitable animals for their heard from a given database.
Using EPDs in decision making is undoubtedly challenging for the novice. On most occasions, there is need for formal training before one can make sense of the abbreviations that are used and interpret the values that are attached to them. Some characteristics that can be predicted by EPDs include, among others, feed efficiency, weight gain and carcass differences for offspring of genetically different animals.
In most cases, the phenotypic characteristics of an animal are an outward expression of the genetic composition. DNA testing is in some cases expensive for producers and in such cases, producers can use these attributes in making decisions. Characteristics frequently used include height, weight and general size.
Genetics has undoubtedly changed the practices of animal production. It is now easy to determine the quality of products through controlled reproduction. This is particularly useful to commercial producers whose main drive is quality. Many markers that can be used in testing have been identified. At the same time, smaller panels with the most specific and sensitive tests are now available to be used in animal selection.
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