It has been known for many years that various traits in animals are genetically determined. This means that animals can pass both the desirable and undesirable characteristics to their offspring. Fortunately, modern technologies in beef cattle genetics have made it possible for producers to identify animals that have good qualities and to influence the mating patterns with the aim of getting better yields.
Veterinarians are closely involved in the propagation of animals even with the introduction of newer practices. Most of them have been trained in genetic studies of animals and are therefore strategically positioned to make decisions relating to herd quality. The veterinarians not only collect DNA samples for testing but also offer producers invaluable advice to farmers on herd improvement.
As a producer, one must have some basic knowledge on animal inheritance patterns if one is to realize the full benefits of this technology. Some of the concepts that are involved are fairly simple and easily understandable as long as one has interest. Having a veterinarian close by may be helpful to help in the clarification of issues that may not be very obvious.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are terms that are commonly used when discussing animal propagation. The terms refer to a value that is assigned to a particular animal based on its various traits. This value is used as a predictor of the genetic quality of future calves. EPDs are used when replacing animals in a herd.
The use of EPDs is complicated and confusing to the novice and requires considerable training and experience before one can make meaningful decisions based on them. Some of the differences that may be seen with offspring bred from genetically different animals include differences in feed efficiency, rate of weight gain and carcass differences.
The physical characteristics of an animal are almost always a representation of the genotypic make-up. Farmers have traditionally used these characteristics in decision making. For a number of producers, particularly those with very large herds, genetic testing may prove an expensive venture. If such is the case, the traditional approach may be adopted.
Thee is no doubt that genetics has taken a central role in modern animal production. It is especially useful to commercial producers who strive to get the best quality possible. Research has helped increase the markers that can be used in testing. The result is an increase in accuracy in the process. Even with the increase in the number of markers, smaller panels containing the most sensitive and specific markers have been developed to help in identification of high quality animals.
Veterinarians are closely involved in the propagation of animals even with the introduction of newer practices. Most of them have been trained in genetic studies of animals and are therefore strategically positioned to make decisions relating to herd quality. The veterinarians not only collect DNA samples for testing but also offer producers invaluable advice to farmers on herd improvement.
As a producer, one must have some basic knowledge on animal inheritance patterns if one is to realize the full benefits of this technology. Some of the concepts that are involved are fairly simple and easily understandable as long as one has interest. Having a veterinarian close by may be helpful to help in the clarification of issues that may not be very obvious.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are terms that are commonly used when discussing animal propagation. The terms refer to a value that is assigned to a particular animal based on its various traits. This value is used as a predictor of the genetic quality of future calves. EPDs are used when replacing animals in a herd.
The use of EPDs is complicated and confusing to the novice and requires considerable training and experience before one can make meaningful decisions based on them. Some of the differences that may be seen with offspring bred from genetically different animals include differences in feed efficiency, rate of weight gain and carcass differences.
The physical characteristics of an animal are almost always a representation of the genotypic make-up. Farmers have traditionally used these characteristics in decision making. For a number of producers, particularly those with very large herds, genetic testing may prove an expensive venture. If such is the case, the traditional approach may be adopted.
Thee is no doubt that genetics has taken a central role in modern animal production. It is especially useful to commercial producers who strive to get the best quality possible. Research has helped increase the markers that can be used in testing. The result is an increase in accuracy in the process. Even with the increase in the number of markers, smaller panels containing the most sensitive and specific markers have been developed to help in identification of high quality animals.
About the Author:
If you want to gain an insight into beef cattle genetics you can simply go to our main homepage. To discover more, click here http://www.irishblacks.com immediately.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire