Chapters authored
Genetic and Breeding Aspects of Lactation
Animal breeding is the most important tool to improve milk productivity in dairy animals. Identification of better animals as parent for the next generation is the approach to generate high-producing animals. Genetic disease is the main problem in livestock sector. Complex vertebral malformation (CVM), bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) syndrome, bovine factor xi deficiency, deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase (DUMPS), and bovine citrullinemia are some of the main genetic disorders, which should be studied in Holstein and its cross. Recent developments in biotechnology have made it feasible to reveal a large number of genetic polymorphisms at the DNA level. As a result, researchers have been encouraged to use them as markers in order to evaluate genetic basis for the observed phenotypic variability. The selection of genetically superior sires is of utmost importance for any successful breed improvement program as semen of sires is disseminated in various herds under progeny testing program. The investigations on mode of genetic improvement around the world indicated that proper genetic evaluation and selection of bulls bring about more than 75% of the actual genetic improvement.
Part of the book: Trends and Advances in Veterinary Genetics