Farm animal selective breeding

why is it more difficult to change fertility of dairy cow vs changing their production?

• heritability:

  • milk prod → high heritability

  • fertility → low heritability

give 3 reasons why it’s important to consider genetics ina breedin programme?

1. improve desired traits

2. reduce genetic disorders

3. longterm sustainability

what is meant by genetic index

• genetic index = single score that combines a number of individual traits

give some advantages of using PLI to select right bulls for breeding programms

• promotes yield and maintain milk quality

• increases emphasis on fertility

• improves functional traits

• increases emphasis on longevity

• promotes udder health and improving lameness

• improves calving performance

select 3-4 traits or indices of importance

1. locomotion

2. temperament

3. risk of mastitis

4. body condition score