Questions and Answers
What is one negative consequence of using the Holstein breed for increased milk yield in the Irish herd?
What is the main benefit of progeny testing compared to performance testing?
Which process is defined as 'Survival of the fittest' in the context of natural selection?
What is one approved method of genetic modification in livestock?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of understanding genetics in animal farming?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the significance of Dolly the sheep in 1996?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is NOT typically associated with producing genetically identical plants in horticulture?
Signup and view all the answers
Which physical trait is associated with Aberdeen Angus cattle?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of performance testing, what is being specifically evaluated?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the gene for the polled condition in cattle?
Signup and view all the answers
What does progeny testing evaluate?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is DNA important in animal genetics?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of genetics does line breeding focus on?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes selective breeding?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Genetics
- DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for living organisms.
- Identifying animals with high genetic merit through DNA is essential for breeding and improvement.
Genetic Improvement
- Knowledge of animal genetics helps farmers enhance the genetic traits of livestock, improving farm profitability.
- Physical traits, such as being polled in Aberdeen Angus cattle, are dominated by specific genes, influencing farmer selection.
Selective Breeding
- Line breeding involves breeding within a specific lineage to enhance desirable traits.
Performance Testing
- Evaluates bulls based on weight gain and feed conversion ratios compared to peers in similar conditions.
- Key performance indicators include growth rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR).
Progeny Testing
- Assesses the performance of a bull's offspring against other bulls' offspring under controlled conditions.
- Generally more reliable than performance testing alone.
Genotyping and Genomic Selection
- Utilizes genetic information to select for superior traits in breeding programs.
Natural Selection
- Describes "survival of the fittest," where well-adapted organisms pass on desirable traits.
- Example: Holstein breed's introduction to Irish dairy herds increased milk yield, yet it also led to fertility and lameness issues.
- Deleterious genes, like Brachyspina in Holsteins, can adversely affect animal development and survival.
Agricultural Biotechnology
- Cloning results in genetically identical organisms; this has applications in horticulture and animal breeding.
- Dolly, the first cloned sheep, was created in 1996 using somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Genetic Modification
- Involves inserting new genes into an organism's genome, with limited methods approved for livestock.
- Example: Atryn, a drug produced from genetically modified goats' milk, prevents blood clotting and demonstrates the potential of genetic modification in agriculture.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores key concepts in genetics, selective breeding, and performance testing in livestock management. Understand how DNA informs breeding decisions and enhances genetic traits for improved farm profitability. Test your knowledge on progeny testing and genomic selection.
