genetics Flashcards
trait
an observable or measurable characteristic of an individual (coat color)
animal production (how to make the trait shine)
breeding
aim of animal breeding
get genetic change, improve traits,
phenotype
an obsereved category or measured level of performance for a trait in an individual (red coat color)
what makes a phenotype
genotype (the genetic makeup of an individual), enviornement (th effect external factors have on animal performance, must be suitable)
how do we control phenotype
enviornement (through management and regional decisions) genotype (through animal breeding programs)
heritability
the degree to which offspring resemble their parents in performance of a trait (the proportion of differences between offspring and parents)
low, moderate, high
reproductive traites (number of offspring calving interval, fertility, 20% or less) growth traits (winging and yearling weight, 20-40%) carcass traits (rib eye, marbling, tenderness, 40% or greater)
breeding value
the genetic worth or value of an individual as a parent (determined by how well the traits are passed onto siblings or kids)
EPD (expected progeny differences)
a prediction of the difference between the performance of an individual’s progeny compared to all contemporaries for the progeny. compares one individual to another from the breed for a specific trait
pure-breeding
mating individuals within the same breed (maintains bloodline and pedigrees)
inbreeding
mating of close relatives
line breeding
form of inbreeding used to concentrate genes of an outstanding ancestor without closeness of inbreeding
grading or scaling up breeding
mating pure bred sires to commercial grade females
cross breeding
mating animals from different breeds