J. Anim Sci.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J. Anim Sci. 1988. 66:1892-1898.
© 1988 American Society of Animal Science
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Bourdon, R. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Bourdon, R. M.

Bovine Nirvana-From the Perspective of a Modeler and Purebred Breeder1,2,

Richard M. Bourdon3

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523

Abstract

Two of the major challenges in beef cattle breeding are identifying optimal genotypes for different production environments and producing those genotypes. The traditional approach to identifying optimal genotypes has been experiential and subjective in nature. Computer models provide a more objective method, though one that is neither well proven nor without risk. Computer models also can be useful in designing ways to produce optimal genotypes. They can assist in among-breed selection by simulating mating systems with varying breed inputs. Computer-generated trait weightings can be used to prioritize selection criteria for within-breed selection. In the future, the ability to determine optimal genotypes for commercial cattle will alter the approach seedstock breeders take in making selection decisions. Genetic change in traits related to size and milk production probably will become relatively unimportant, and selection emphasis will shift to adaptability and convenience traits. Breeders will need to adjust to the psychologically difficult task of selecting animals with intermediate performance. Predictability and reduction of genetic risk will become primary concerns. Implications for sire evaluation are discussed.

Footnotes

1 Invited paper presented at the Beef Cattle Session at the 79th Annu. Mtg. of the Am. Soc. of Anim. Sci., July 29, 1987. Utah State Univ., Logan.

2 Funding was provided by Colorado Agric. Exp. Sta. Project No. 1-5607.

3 Dept. of Anim. Sci.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1988 by the American Society of Animal Science.