Principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics

Description

Have you ever wondered why an elephant always gives birth only to a baby elephant and not some other animal? Or why a mango seed forms only a mango plant and not any other plant? Given that they do, are the offspring identical to their parents? Or do they show differences in some of their characteristics? Have you ever wondered why siblings sometimes look so similar to each other? Or sometimes even so different ? These and several related questions are dealt with, scientifically, in a branch of biology known as Genetics. This subject deals with the inheritance, as well as the variation of characters from parents to offspring. Inheritance is the process by which characters are passed on from parent to progeny; it is the basis of heredity. This book “Principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics” focuses on animal breeding methods and techniques. Modern livestock and aquaculture production aims for the production of healthy and robust animals with improved animal welfare and preserving genetic diversity. Animal breeding plays an important part in progressing animal production systems, from conventional to organics. By improving the abilities of animals for certain traits entire populations can be enhanced, creating benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment. This book is useful for both students and agriculturists.