It has been shown that most traits among animals, both desirable and desirable, are genetically determined and hence inheritable. This knowledge has transformed animal rearing practices in recent years. Using information from beef cattle genetics, it is possible for farmers to determine the quality of their yields if they have an idea of the genetic make-up of animals in their herds.
Veterinarians play an important role in the propagation of animals that have desirable traits by using their expertise to make DNA-based decisions. Apart from collecting DNA samples, they educate farmers in making smart decisions. Such decisions include, for example, choosing the most appropriate animals that can be used for reproduction from among their stock so as to maintain desirable traits in the herd.
As a producer, having some knowledge on the various inheritance patterns of animals goes a long way towards helping in making useful decisions. Whereas some of the concepts are fairly easy to understand, others are rather complex. It is important to have a veterinarian by your side to help you understand the issues that are not easy to work out.
Apart from its use in promoting positive traits is a heard, DNA testing also helps in reducing the chances of genetic abnormalities. One of the commonest abnormalities is what is referred to as developmental duplication or polymelia. In this condition, animals develop extra limbs that emerge from the poll, shoulder or the back. Since the condition is heritable among some breeds, there is need to intervene to prevent its transmission. During droughts when there is need to depopulate a herd, only the animals with the high genetic quality are retained.
EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) are terms that are central to animal propagation. The terms refer to values that are given to animals as a predictor of genetic quality of their offspring. EPDs are used in the selection new herd bulls, heifers or cows. Animals with favourable EPDs are preferentially chosen.
Using EPDs in decision making is undoubtedly challenging for the novice. On most occasions, there is need for formal training before one can make sense of the abbreviations that are used and interpret the values that are attached to them. Some characteristics that can be predicted by EPDs include, among others, feed efficiency, weight gain and carcass differences for offspring of genetically different animals.
In most cases, the phenotypic characteristics of an animal are an outward expression of the genetic composition. DNA testing is in some cases expensive for producers and in such cases, producers can use these attributes in making decisions. Characteristics frequently used include height, weight and general size.
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 play an important role in the propagation of animals that have desirable traits by using their expertise to make DNA-based decisions. Apart from collecting DNA samples, they educate farmers in making smart decisions. Such decisions include, for example, choosing the most appropriate animals that can be used for reproduction from among their stock so as to maintain desirable traits in the herd.
As a producer, having some knowledge on the various inheritance patterns of animals goes a long way towards helping in making useful decisions. Whereas some of the concepts are fairly easy to understand, others are rather complex. It is important to have a veterinarian by your side to help you understand the issues that are not easy to work out.
Apart from its use in promoting positive traits is a heard, DNA testing also helps in reducing the chances of genetic abnormalities. One of the commonest abnormalities is what is referred to as developmental duplication or polymelia. In this condition, animals develop extra limbs that emerge from the poll, shoulder or the back. Since the condition is heritable among some breeds, there is need to intervene to prevent its transmission. During droughts when there is need to depopulate a herd, only the animals with the high genetic quality are retained.
EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) are terms that are central to animal propagation. The terms refer to values that are given to animals as a predictor of genetic quality of their offspring. EPDs are used in the selection new herd bulls, heifers or cows. Animals with favourable EPDs are preferentially chosen.
Using EPDs in decision making is undoubtedly challenging for the novice. On most occasions, there is need for formal training before one can make sense of the abbreviations that are used and interpret the values that are attached to them. Some characteristics that can be predicted by EPDs include, among others, feed efficiency, weight gain and carcass differences for offspring of genetically different animals.
In most cases, the phenotypic characteristics of an animal are an outward expression of the genetic composition. DNA testing is in some cases expensive for producers and in such cases, producers can use these attributes in making decisions. Characteristics frequently used include height, weight and general size.
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:
Read more about The Role Of Beef Cattle Genetics In Modern Animal Rearing Practices.
No comments:
Post a Comment