Precision animal breeding

• Published in: Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences Vol. 363; no. 1491; pp. 573 - 590
• Main Authors: Flint, A.P.F, Woolliams, J.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London The Royal Society 12-02-2008
• Subjects: Animal Breeding; Animal genetics; Animal Welfare; Animals; Animals, Domestic - genetics; Animals, Genetically Modified; application of; Breeding; Breeding - methods; Genetic Variation; Genomes; Livestock; Medical genetics; molecular genetics; Molecular Genetics, Application Of; Population genetics; quantitative genetics; Quantitative Genetics, Application Of; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted - veterinary; reproductive technologies; Reproductive Technologies, Application Of; Responsibility For Breeding Outcomes; Selection, Genetic; Sustainable agriculture; Wildlife conservation
• ISSN: 0962-8436; 1471-2970
• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2007.2171

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 should be to meet certain goals: to improve the precision with which breeding outcomes can be predicted; to avoid the introduction and advance of characteristics deleterious to well-being; and to manage genetic resources and diversity between and within populations as set out in the Convention on Biological Diversity. These goals are summed up in the phrase precision animal breeding. They should apply whether animals are bred as sources of usable products or services for medical or scientific research, for aesthetic or cultural considerations, or as pets. Modern molecular and quantitative genetics and advances in reproductive physiology provide the tools with which these goals can be met.