Animal Domestication and Breeding

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the basic principles of breeding concerning the number of traits in a breeding program?

The more traits included, the faster the progress in each.

A smaller number of traits leads to faster progress in each. (correct)

All traits must be improved simultaneously for best results.

Breeders should focus on subjective traits to speed up progress.

Which type of traits can be classified as being objectively measured?

Quality of feed

Coat color

Survival rate based on opinion

Growth rate (correct)

What is typically a source of controversy between breeders and geneticists?

Theoretical approaches

Breeding methods

Breeding objectives (correct)

Economic factors

Which of the following is NOT considered an objective trait?

Score based on appearance Signup and view all the answers

What motivated most efforts in animal domestication in modern times?

Improving existing stock traits Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between the complexity of breeding objectives and success?

Diverse objectives can inhibit progress in individual traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of subjective traits?

They depend heavily on personal opinion. Signup and view all the answers

In livestock management and breeding, what should be a priority for successful outcomes?

Balancing genetic and environmental improvements Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to young animals if they cannot latch onto large teats?

They may suffer from stress and starvation. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial for the udder during peak lactation?

The attachment of the udder through suspensory ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the conditioned reflex in dairy animals?

To facilitate rapid milk release. Signup and view all the answers

What does over-milking refer to in the context of milking machines?

The machine squeezing the teat when no milk is left. Signup and view all the answers

Breeders are concerned with the quality of milk produced. What specific traits do they examine?

Physical and chemical traits like fat, protein, and sugar content. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'growth' in the context of dairy animals?

An increase in weight and size. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the physical form of the udder and teats becoming increasingly important?

Due to the automation of milking processes. Signup and view all the answers

What could result from a poorly attached udder in dairy animals?

Increased risk of udder damage and stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about diagnosing the cause of death in calves?

The cause of death is always apparent when the calf is examined. Signup and view all the answers

Why do breeders focus more on survival rather than mortality?

Understanding why living offspring survive is deemed more important. Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the determination of true parentage in calves born under range conditions?

Mixing of birth fluids creates confusion in identifying parents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indirect measure of maternal ability?

Offspring's total weight at weaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in defining the concept of maternal ability?

It is recognized easily by stockmen but poorly defined objectively. Signup and view all the answers

How does animal behavior affect genetics in the case of calving?

Calves' behavior can lead to inaccurate parentage records. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is closely associated with good maternal ability in livestock?

Ability to feed, shelter, and protect offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary investment loss when a calf dies at birth?

The nine months of pregnancy care, and the total investment in the dam. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of having a quiet temperament in draught animals?

They can handle busy, noisy conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How does social hierarchy impact the health of lower-order animals in a group?

They receive less food and are more prone to disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is recognized as optimal for reducing stress factors in livestock?

The group size of the animals. Signup and view all the answers

What critical trait is most important for poultry breeders to ensure profitability?

Efficiency of feed conversion to meat and eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is breeders of meat birds most concerned with?

Growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What specific body characteristics are desirable in meat birds for supermarket presentation?

Large breasts with fleshy thighs and short legs. Signup and view all the answers

What practice should breeders engage in to reduce deaths in meat birds?

Eliminate feed wastage. Signup and view all the answers

What has changed about the concept of 'breed' in commercial poultry over time?

It has become outdated in the commercial context. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes development from growth in animals?

Development involves changes in proportions of different parts. Signup and view all the answers

At which stage is the point of inflexion on the growth curve typically located?

At puberty Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to weigh animals under standardized conditions?

To ensure consistent measuring of gut fill. Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue receives the highest priority for nutrients during the development of animals?

Placenta and fetus Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of farming is breeders concerned with, in terms of growth?

Variations in mature size and weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial method breeders may use to select for carcass traits?

Using ultrasound aids to assess traits in live animals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is most easily measured at slaughter?

Weight of the cold carcass. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the actual weight of an animal not accurately reflect its tissue composition?

Gut fill can account for a significant portion of weight. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Domestication

The dog is the only animal domesticated during the paleolithic era
Most animals that we farm today were domesticated during the neolithic era
Most recent attempts have been unsuccessful, the exception being the Eland

Selective Breeding

Farmers can improve their animals by improving their feeding, housing, and by eliminating diseases
Breeders often try to improve too many character traits, which slows progress
Breeders and geneticists often disagree on the selection criteria for their programs

Trait Classification

Traits are classified as either simple traits (like coat color) or complex traits (like growth and survival)
Traits can be classified as either objective (can be measured) or subjective (can be assessed according to someone's opinion)
Objective traits are measured in terms of weight, length, volume, etc.

Survival

Survival is more important than mortality
It is important to determine the cause of death, but this is often difficult
It is important to understand why living offspring live
The ability to determine parentage is important
There are many ways to establish parentage: direct observation, records, birth fluids, and blood typing
Animal behaviour can greatly affect the outcome of a breeding program

Maternal Ability

Good maternal ability is essential in farm animals
It is a complex trait that is difficult to describe objectively
The ability to feed, shelter, and protect the offspring are all important
Breeders use indirect measures of maternal ability such as the offspring's weight at weaning
The shape of the udder is important, especially in dairy animals
Poorly attached udders can cause stress and disease
Udders and teats must be suited to machine milking

Growth & Development

Growth is best looked at as an increase in size or weight
Development is the change in proportion of the different parts of an animal
Growth is usually shown as an S-shaped curve
Different tissue types have different nutritional priorities
The placenta and the fetus have the highest priority followed by the brain and central nervous system
Breeders aim to alter the ratios of bone, muscle, and fat
Different breeds can mature to different sizes
Different stages of growth are not independent
The live weight of an animal is a simple trait to measure, but the ratio of muscle, fat, and bone can vary
The contents of the digestive tract can account for 10-25% of the weight of ruminants
Animals should be weighed uniformly full or empty after standardised fasting periods
Fleece weight can be influenced by the amount of water in the wool

Carcass Quality

The carcass is a stage nearer the consumer than the live animal
Special breeding plans are needed to select for carcass traits in breeding stock
Carcass traits are measured by using ultrasonic aid or examining the carcasses of offspring or relatives
The weight of the cold carcass is easily measured at slaughter
Carcass composition can be an important trait for survival

Temperament

Temperament is an important trait in farm animals
Animals should be calm to avoid stress in herds
Quiet temperament is important for draught animals that have to spend long periods of time waiting
Social hierarchy often results in aggressive individuals getting more access to food, water, and resources
Lower order animals eat less, produce less, and are more prone to disease
The optimal group size can be determined to reduce stress factors
Breeders need to breed animals able to cope with high-stress environments

Poultry

Poultry breeders have taken advantage of advances in genetics
The very concept of breed is outdated in commercially raised poultry
The primary concern for poultry producers is feed conversion efficiency
Broiler breeders prefer birds that grow quickly
Broilers have to have large breasts, fleshy thighs, short legs, and a desirable skin color
Breeders are trying to reduce internal fat depots in broilers

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Description

Explore the fascinating history of domestication, selective breeding, and trait classification in animals. This quiz covers key concepts from the domestication of animals in different eras to the complexities of breeding and traits. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence animal survival.