Technical And Economic Aspects Of Animal Breeding

This important book covers economic evaluation of genetic differences in animals, determination of breeding goals within an economic context and economic evaluation of breeding programs. During the last 50 years there have been great advances made in the breeding of domesticated animal species. Most of this work has been achieved through the efforts of geneticists, and often the economic goals of such advances have not been clearly evaluated. Economic Aspects of Animal Breeding redresses the balance and provides a much needed synthesis of this most important subject. The book is divided into five sections: basic concepts; economic evaluation of genetic differences; advanced topics in selection indices; economic evaluation of breeding programs, including biotechnological aspects; crossbreeding and heterosis.

New Technologies in Animal Breeding looks at new reproductive technologies in breeding domestic animals, such as sex selection, frozen storage of oocytes and embryos, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, amphibian nuclear transplantation, parthenogenesis, identical twins and cloning in mammals, and gene transfer in mammalian cells. It summarizes the state-of-the art and offers perspectives on future directions for several animal industries of great importance in food production, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, poultry breeding, and aquaculture. Organized into five sections encompassing 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of animals in society and perspectives on animal breeding. It then discusses the animal industries that are heavily dependent on reproductive technology, including those engaged in cloning, selfing, aquaculture, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer. It also explains the developing technologies as well as their potential applications and impacts on animal production, along with special economic considerations, such as the benefits of reproductive management, synchronization of estrus, and artificial insemination of beef cattle and sheep. The final chapter considers biomedical and agricultural research, implementation of new technologies in animal breeding, and research in animal reproduction. This book is an essential reference for scientists and researchers interested in animal science and animal reproduction.

Annotation. Illustrated with review studies on animal health economics, this book presents information on the most important economic tools applied to livestock, covering both theory and practical applications. Topics covered include gross margin analysis, partial budgeting, investment and financial appraisal and cost-benefit analysis. There are also sections on decision tree analysis, optimisation methods, value chain analysis, new institutional economics, DALYs and a range of policy analysis tools. International experts contribute on important theoretical and practical aspects of animal health and production economics, with global themes on livestock and poverty.

This guide to animal breeding in tropical countries explains what can and cannot be achieved. It starts by dealing with basic genetics and then deals with the various techniques used in animal breeding - selection, crossbreeding and inbreeding, and the effects that each of these can have on the animal populations. The author gives examples of each and points out their limitations when applied in the tropics. He also identifies systems of potential value, such as the use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer. The book deals with specific considerations, such as the effect of climate on animals, the problems faced when dealing with tropical species, such as buffalo, and factors to take into consideration when dealing with individual traits.