Concepts of animal breeding and genetics

Overview

Humans have been breeding livestock for many hundreds of years. This module will introduce several of the key concepts that underpin animal breeding and genetics. This includes outlining the factors that influence animal performance, introduce the concept of heritability, and explore what influences the rate of genetic improvement in a breeding program.

Learning objectives

At completion of this module, you will:

understand that specific characteristics in animals can be achieved through selective breeding
understand that the value of the breeding animal is its genes
understand how animal performance is influenced both by genetic (heritable) and environmental (non-heritable) factors
understand the factors that influence the rate of genetic improvement
understand that genetic improvement is permanent, cumulative and a long-term investment for livestock operations.

Training package Content

Introduction

Introduction 1 quiz

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Introductory survey – Concepts of animal breeding and genetics

Concepts of animal breeding and genetics

Selective breeding

A breeding animal = a package of genes

Performance is influenced by genetics and environmental factors 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge: Performance is influenced by genetics and environmental factors

Heritability 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge: Heritability

Factors influencing the rate of genetic improvement 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge: Factors influencing the rate of genetic improvement

Genetic improvement is a long-term investment 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge: Genetic improvement is a long-term investment

Conclusion

Conclusion 1 quiz

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Wrap up survey – Concepts of Animal Breeding and Genetics

About Instructor

Meat & Livestock Australia

MLA’s purpose is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry by investing in research and marketing activities. Through it's subsidiary companies, MLA also accelerates innovation across the value chain and delivers the industry’s integrity and on-farm quality assurance programs. Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in all eLearning modules. However, MLA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the training packages. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. MLA accepts no liability for any losses incurred if you rely solely on this material and excludes all liability as a result of reliance by any person on such information or advice. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all rights are expressly reserved. Requests for further authorisation should be directed to the Content Manager, PO Box 1961, North Sydney, NSW 2059 or info@mla.com.au. © Meat & Livestock Australia 2020 ABN 39 081 678 364. MLA acknowledges the matching funds provided by the Australian Government to support the research and development detailed in this eLearning module.

40 Training packages

Overview

Learning objectives

Training package Content

Introduction

About Instructor

Meat & Livestock Australia

Training package Includes