Population genetics in farm animals Flashcards
What are the pros and cons of the modern dairy cow?
They have a high genetic potential for yield, however they are less fertile, haave poorer health and are less robust.
What is a selection index?
It is a set of values that are used to select an individual for breeding based on a certain goal e.g. increased production or fertility
How has the thought process behind selection changed?
Now, rather than focussing on single traits, many factors are looked at. This has lead to things such as the PIN and profitable lifetime index (PLI)
What does PTA stand for?
Predicted transmitting ability
As an example - there is a correlation between increased calving interval and increased milk production, so which animals should be selected?
Those which go against this tred, so the animals that have good fertility but also a high milk yield.
How can a fertility index be produced?
Combine a or multiple fertility trait PTAs along with their relative economic values.
What can genetic improvement help to attain?
- Higher inputs
- Lower costs
-Greater production efficiency
Healthier cows
