2. Animal Breeding and Genetics

Lecture 2. Terms with Definitions

Breeding

Increase in quality of each generation. (ex. artificial insemination)

Propagation

increase in animal numbers (quantity)

Genotype

Genetic makeup of the animal (DNA)

Diploid

pair of chromosomes

Haploid

one chromosome

Zygote

a fertilized egg cell that contains the genetic info of a new organism

Allele

an alternative form of a gene found on the same location of the homologous chromosome

homozygous

condition where both genes at a particular location are the same

heterozygous

condition where genes at a particular location are different

dominant

an allele that expresses its trait even in the presence of a recessive allele.

phenotype

the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

recessive

an allele that only expresses its trait when two copies are present, or in the absence of a dominant allele.

hereditary genetic defect

disrupts a protein called a sodium ion channel ( a tiny gateway in the membrane of muscle cells)

inbreeding

the breeding of closely related individuals, which can decrease fertility and survivability

linebreeding

a form of inbreeding that focuses on the breeding of individuals that are more distantly related, often to maintain desirable traits while reducing the risks associated with inbreeding.

outcrossing / outbreeding

the practice of breeding unrelated individuals to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of hereditary defects.

crossbreeding

the intentional mating of two different breeds or species to produce offspring with specific traits from both parents.

mating of sires of one breed to dams of another breed