Animal Breeding and Genetics

This book endeavors to outline current breeding methods for various domestic animal species. It begins with a concise history of population genetics, the domestication of livestock, the categorization of breeds, and the economic characteristics of livestock and poultry species, which are essential factors to consider. The book also covers basic statistics, the inheritance of traits, gene and genotype frequencies, and the factors that influence the frequency of genes, values, and means of populations, as well as methods for estimating and utilizing heritability and repeatability, correlations, and selection. The book further elaborates on response to selection, the basis of selection, progeny testing, open nucleus breeding systems, sire evaluation, methods of selection, breeding or mating systems, and heterosis or hybrid vigor. In addition, the book provides an overview of current livestock and poultry breeding programs.

The book has been organized in a logical sequence to facilitate easy understanding, beginning with fundamental concepts and progressing to more complex topics. It is intended for graduate and postgraduate students of animal breeding and researchers who will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the dynamic science of animal breeding.