Animal Genetic Improvement

Breeding for improved results is not a new phenomenon, but with current issues such as climate change, food insecurity and the need for greater sustainability within the agriculture industry, breeding and genetic improvement is a fundamental aspect of animal science. Bringing together the three main areas of animal breeding into one text, this book combines quantitative genetics and the methodology for animal genetic improvement, specific aspects of livestock species genetics, and a review of how genetic improvement companies are organized and their selection programs. Written with a student focus for those studying animal agriculture and animal science, it covers the quantitative genetics needed to apply genetic improvement methods, selection indices, use of the linear model in genetic improvement, and genomic selection and gene detection. It also expands into breed and conservation programs, genetic improvement schemes in both prolific and low-prolific species, and the future of animal genetic improvement. This book: – Aids learning, organized with each chapter benefiting from an introduction to the main topics to be learnt, and ending with a list of important main concepts, problems to be solved (with their solutions) and a test for self-assessment. – Supplies further mathematical demonstrations in handy extra appendices. – Uses examples from across pigs, poultry, rabbits, cattle, sheep, goats to provide a rounded overview of the topic. Beyond knowing how to apply a program in R or Python, it is essential that students understand the fundamental concepts of quantitative genetics. Providing an essential skill for their training, this book also aids professional development, and ensures sound interpretation of the results of selection programs.

Author Biography

Agustin Blasco is a Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the Institute for Animal Science and Technology. His career has focused on animal breeding for pigs and rabbits. In the latter case, he has contributed to the development of commercial lines and to the creation and management of genetic improvement programs in the industry. During his sabbatical periods, he has been visiting scientist at institutes such as ABRO (now the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh), INRA in France and FAO in Rome. Blasco has published three books as a single author, including Bayesian Data Analysis for Animal Scientists (Springer), Mejora Genética Animal (Síntesis) and Animal Ethics (Akal). Furthermore, he has been President of the World Rabbit Science Association (2000-2004) and editor-in-chief of World Rabbit Science (indexed, Q2-Q3), Director of the Department of Animal Science (1990-94), Director of the Institute of Animal Science and Technology (2012-20) and the Director of the Master’s Degree in Animal Genetic Improvement and Reproductive Biotechnology (2007-19). Professor Blasco has the Spanish National Award of Genetics. He has been appointed a member of the prestigious Italian Georgofili Academy, the oldest agricultural academy in the world.