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, one must have some basic knowledge on animal inheritance patterns if one is to realize the full benefits of this technology. Some of the concepts that are involved are fairly simple and easily understandable as long as one has interest. Having a veterinarian close by may be helpful to help in the clarification of issues that may not be very obvious.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are terms that are commonly used when discussing animal propagation. The terms refer to a value that is assigned to a particular animal based on its various traits. This value is used as a predictor of the genetic quality of future calves. EPDs are used when replacing animals in a herd.
The use of EPDs is complicated and confusing to the novice and requires considerable training and experience before one can make meaningful decisions based on them. Some of the differences that may be seen with offspring bred from genetically different animals include differences in feed efficiency, rate of weight gain and carcass differences.
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, one must have some basic knowledge on animal inheritance patterns if one is to realize the full benefits of this technology. Some of the concepts that are involved are fairly simple and easily understandable as long as one has interest. Having a veterinarian close by may be helpful to help in the clarification of issues that may not be very obvious.
DNA testing is also important in avoiding genetic disorders apart from its use in the propagation of positive traits. Developmental duplication (also known as polymelia) is one of the commonly encountered abnormalities. Polymelia is an autosomal recessive condition characterised by development of extra limbs from body parts such as the shoulders, the back and the poll. The condition is heritable and it ca be transmitted to offspring if both the bull and the cow are carries of the trait unless an intervention takes place. DNA information may be useful in depopulating animals whenever such a need arises such as during droughts.
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are terms that are commonly used when discussing animal propagation. The terms refer to a value that is assigned to a particular animal based on its various traits. This value is used as a predictor of the genetic quality of future calves. EPDs are used when replacing animals in a herd.
The use of EPDs is complicated and confusing to the novice and requires considerable training and experience before one can make meaningful decisions based on them. Some of the differences that may be seen with offspring bred from genetically different animals include differences in feed efficiency, rate of weight gain and carcass differences.
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.
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