Animal Breeding – serie

For animal breeders colour coat genetics is one of the fundamental elements of breeding, along with health and conformation. Breeders need to know about colour coats for showing purposes and where the fibre is used in industry, for example sheep and alpaca wool.The science behind breeding for genetic traits is complex because of dominant and recessive traits. Because animals inherit two alleles for the base coat colour, it is possible that their phenotype, or visual appearance, does not reflect their underlying genotype.This book is a practical guide for breeders on the biology behind colour coats in large animals directing breeders on how to implement breeding strategies to achieve desired results.

Breeds are fascinating entities. They depend on individual breeders for their continuing existence. Although breeders may come and go, each of them is important and has the potential to make positive contributions to the breed.Multiple factors can guarantee breeders long-term successful management. These include biological aspects, consistent market demand, and the important and sometimes politically charged role of breed associations as the main advocates for breeds today.Strategies for success have been detailed in the first and second editions of Managing Breeds for a Secure Future. The third edition explores this further, providing more strategies that can assure long-term survival for breeds of livestock, poultry, and dogs.Managing Breeds for a Secure Future Third Edition is re-organized to flow better, and has additional chapters on specific protocols for maintaining breeds. It also delves more deeply into rescuing rare populations, through both theory and practice. Updates to the new edition include: biological issues, population analysis, pedigree-based analyses, managing a genetic defect, and specific rescue principles and practices.