* Outlines the link between genes and performance in farm animals * Shows tools for more effective genetic selection * Highlights the role and ethical implications of new reproductive and molecular genetic technologies The application of scientific methods to animal breeding has led to major improvements in the output, cost and quality of animal products over the last few decades. This book describes the principles of genetic improvement of farm livestock and the practical application of these principles to dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep breeding. This title has been taken over by CABI Publishing from Farming Press and was originally published in 1998

Humans started domesticating farm livestock over 10,000 years ago. For much of this time, livestock have been changed genetically by subjective means. In the past 50 years, the application of scientific methods to animal breeding has led to major improvements in the output, cost and quality ofanimal products in the last few decades. This book describes the principles of genetic improvement of farm livestock and the practical application of these principles to dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep breeding. Originally published in 1998 by Farming Press.

Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals provides a thorough grounding in the basic sciences underpinning farmed animal breeding. Relating science to practical application, it covers all the major farmed animal species: cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, pigs and aquaculture species.

Systematics and phylogeny of the sheep;Genetic aspects of domestication, common breeds and their origin; Genetics of colour and hair texture; Genetics of morphological traits and inherited disorders; Biochemical genetics; Molecular genetics of sheep; Molecular genetics of immune molecules; Genetics of disease resistance and vaccine response; Molecular biology and genetics of scrapie in sheep; Cytogenetics: physical chromosome maps; The sheep linkage map; Genetics of behaviour; Biology and genetics of reproduction; Modern reproduction technologies and transgenics; Developmental genetics; Genetic resources and conservation; Genetic improvement of wool production; Genetics of meat quality; Genetics of milk production; Genetic improvement of sheep; Standardized genetic nomenclature for sheep.

These guidelines present the basic concepts involved in the development and implementation of in vivo conservation plans for animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. The guidelines are intended for use by policy-makers in the management of animal genetic resources, managers of animal breeding organizations, persons responsible for training in management of animal genetic resources and any other stakeholders with leading roles in designing and implementing in vivo conservation programmes for animal genetic resources. Although individual breeders and livestock keepers are not the direct target audience, the guidelines include background information that is relevant for all stakeholders involved in planning conservation programmes.

The 16th Biennial Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) gathers together scientists, extension workers, producers and industry personnel to review developments in the application of new technologies to animal breeding. Conference presentations include 30 invited reviews and papers, and 95 contributed papers. All papers are peer-reviewed, and cover session topics that focus on genetic evaluation systems, gene expression profiling, identification and manipulation of quantitative trait loci, progress in applied programs and advanced statistical and computing techniques. Industry applications are discussed for improvement in production, health and reproduction of domestic livestock, aquaculture species and even crocodiles and ostriches. Institutions and industries in Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, South-East Asia and Japan are represented with significant participation of major Cooperative Research Centres. These proceedings contain the full text of all contributed papers and summaries of the invited reviews which are published separately in the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture.

Addressing principles associated with breeding animals for enhanced health and resistance to specific diseases, this book provides a review of the field illustrated with examples covering many diseases of importance to livestock production, across all major livestock species. Authored by experts in the field, this updated edition covers techniques and approaches, viruses, TSEs, bacteria, parasites, vectors, and broader health issues seen in production systems, including metabolic diseases. The book will be an essential reference for professionals in the field, scientists and researchers, students, breeders, veterinarians, agricultural advisors and policy makers.