Statistical methods in animal breeding and Bach’s harpsichord concertos

Breeding and Genetics: Applications and Methods in Animal Breeding—Dairy I

The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between Holstein body conformation traits and milk production traits in the Shanghai region. In total, 871 Holstein cows were randomly chosen from 28 dairy farms in Shanghai at second stage of lactation as the object of our study. Five milk production traits, including 305-d milk yield, butter fat percentage, milk protein percentage, pe...

Breeding and Genetics: Applications and Methods in Animal Breeding—Dairy II

The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic correlations between feed intake and type traits with a view to considering the potential of indirect genetic selection for feed intake using type traits in dairy cattle. Feed intake data on 119,388 first lactation Holstein cows were obtained from Dairy Production Centre of Expertise, Valacta. Type trait records on 93,619 cows were obta...

Software Packages in Animal Breeding

Six packages for solving mixed model equations and estimating variance components by REML are compared. Each has a unique strength. Meticulously finished DFREML is the only one that implements hypothesis testing for variance component estimates. MTDFREML is a comprehensive, relatively easy to install and simple to use package for analyses of experimental data. PEST, the only semi-commercial pro...

Random Regression in Animal Breeding

Precision animal breeding.

We accept that we are responsible for the quality of life of animals in our care. We accept that the activities of man affect all the living things with which we share this planet. But we are slow to realize that as a result we have a duty of care for all living things. That duty extends to the breeding of animals for which we are responsible. When animals are bred by man for a purpose, the aim...