Unit 12 - Breeding

Word

Example

breeding

The company is looking for a breeding program to improve livestock genetics

heritability

Heritability plays a key role in the success of selective breeding

breeding value

The breeding value of an animal is determined by its ability to pass on desirable traits

trait selection

Trait selection is crucial for enhancing specific characteristics in future generations

feed efficiency

Feed efficiency is an important factor when selecting animals for breeding programs

rate of gain

The rate of gain of livestock is an indicator of their growth potential

expected progeny

Expected progeny performance is calculated to predict future breeding success

progeny testing

Progeny testing helps breeders assess the genetic quality of their breeding stock

genetic potential

The genetic potential of an animal determines its suitability for breeding

reproductive traits

Breeding programs often focus on improving reproductive traits to enhance productivity

genetic improvement

Genetic improvement through selective breeding can increase the overall herd's efficiency

performance testing

Performance testing helps determine which animals are best suited for breeding based on traits like weight gain and fertility

breeding program

The farm has implemented a new breeding program to enhance the herd's overall quality

reproductive success

Reproductive success is a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the breeding program

genetic traits

Genetic traits such as disease resistance and growth rate are important in breeding decisions

selection criteria

The selection criteria for breeding include traits like milk production and weight gain

inbreeding avoidance

Inbreeding avoidance is crucial to maintain the genetic diversity of the herd

crossbreeding

Crossbreeding can help improve the overall genetic quality of the herd by introducing desirable traits

selective breeding

Selective breeding aims to enhance specific traits in animals through controlled mating

hybrid vigor

Hybrid vigor is often observed in the offspring of crossbreeding, resulting in improved health and growth

genetic diversity

Maintaining genetic diversity is essential for long-term breeding success

sire

The sire is carefully selected for his superior genetic traits to pass on to the offspring

dam

The dam plays an important role in the genetic makeup of the offspring

fertility rate

The fertility rate of the breeding stock is closely monitored to ensure successful reproduction

artificial insemination

Artificial insemination is commonly used in modern breeding programs to enhance genetic potential

breeding cycle

The breeding cycle must be carefully managed to optimize offspring production

herd improvement

Herd improvement is achieved by selecting superior animals for breeding

reproductive health

Ensuring the reproductive health of breeding animals is vital for successful offspring production

genetic selection

Genetic selection is a key component in improving livestock traits such as milk production and growth rates

mating strategy

The mating strategy involves selecting compatible animals to improve specific traits in the herd

genetic material

Genetic material from high-quality animals is used to improve the overall herd

embryo transfer

Embryo transfer allows for the propagation of superior genetics by implanting embryos from selected donors

breeding stock

The breeding stock consists of animals that are genetically superior for producing future generations

offspring

The offspring of these animals are expected to show improved traits like faster growth and higher milk yield

production efficiency

Production efficiency is an important consideration in selecting animals for breeding programs

breeding efficiency

Improving breeding efficiency helps reduce costs while increasing the quality of livestock

genetic progress

The goal of selective breeding is to achieve continuous genetic progress in the herd

breeding objective

The breeding objective focuses on improving traits such as milk production, growth rate, and disease resistance

reproductive management

Reproductive management practices are essential for maximizing the productivity of the breeding herd

genetic selection index

The genetic selection index is used to evaluate the genetic potential of breeding animals

trait improvement

Trait improvement through selective breeding is essential for the long-term success of the program

breeding method

Various breeding methods, including artificial insemination and natural mating, can be used to achieve the desired results

dairy breeding

Dairy breeding programs focus on improving milk yield and quality through selective breeding

performance traits

Performance traits such as growth rate, fertility, and disease resistance are crucial in breeding decisions

genetic testing

Genetic testing is often used to verify the parentage and health status of breeding animals

improved genetics

The farm has invested in improved genetics to enhance the overall quality of its livestock

genetic evaluation

Genetic evaluation helps breeders make informed decisions when selecting animals for breeding