Genetics and Selective Breeding

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Questions and Answers

What is one negative consequence of using the Holstein breed for increased milk yield in the Irish herd?

Enhanced fertility across the herd

Improved adaptability to environmental changes

Increase in overall herd size

Concentration of undesirable traits (correct)

What is the main benefit of progeny testing compared to performance testing?

It directly enhances environmental adaptability

It provides genetic lineage information (correct)

It leads to improved feed efficiency

It assesses physical attributes accurately

Which process is defined as 'Survival of the fittest' in the context of natural selection?

Inbreeding to enhance desirable traits

Cloning of genetically identical organisms

Organisms better adapted to their environment survive (correct)

Genetic modification of animal traits

What is one approved method of genetic modification in livestock?

Insertion of genes into the genome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of understanding genetics in animal farming?

To enhance the genetic merit and profitability of the farm Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Dolly the sheep in 1996?

First animal cloned from an adult cell Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT typically associated with producing genetically identical plants in horticulture?

Natural pollination Signup and view all the answers

Which physical trait is associated with Aberdeen Angus cattle?

Natural polled condition Signup and view all the answers

In the context of performance testing, what is being specifically evaluated?

The bull's weight gain and feed conversion ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the gene for the polled condition in cattle?

It is dominant and ensures the absence of horns in offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What does progeny testing evaluate?

The performance of a bull's offspring compared to others Signup and view all the answers

Why is DNA important in animal genetics?

It helps identify animals with high genetic merit. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of genetics does line breeding focus on?

Inbreeding to concentrate desirable traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes selective breeding?

A process that aims to propagate specific desirable traits 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.

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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.