For Animal Breeding and Genetics courses. An experienced educator in animal breeding, Rick Bourdon designed
this book to be a modern, technologically up-to-date approach to animal breeding that is less intimidating to students
than competing texts. The book is meant to be a learning text or guide as opposed to simply a reference. Understanding
Animal Breeding addresses the abstract concepts of animal breeding, presenting the necessary mathematics, but
previous experience in genetics and statistics is not assumed. Well organized and readable, the book stresses application,
then explains theory for an overall understanding of the material.
NEW � New material on interactions and breeding objectives (Chapter 1).
NEW � New material on performance testing (Chapter 2).
NEW � New material on probabilities (Chapter 3).
NEW � New material on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles (Chapter 4).
NEW � New material on realized response to selection (Chapter 10).
NEW � New material on breeding for uniformity (Chapter 19).
NEW � Updated coverage of biotechnology (Chapter 20) � Discusses the latest trends and techniques in
cloning, sex control, marker assisted selection, and conservation genetics.
Keeps students abreast of the most recent technological tools and techniques, developing their abilities to
understand and use the same or similar tools in their own careers.
NEW � Over 40 photos � Supports the narrative with images that bring discussions to life.
Provides students with visual insights into the breeder's world, allowing them to see what are often abstract
principles at work in the lives of real people and animals.
Easy to understand � Presents mathematical material in separate boxed sections.
Allows instructors and students to choose the level at which to teach or learn the material.
Application before theory � Focuses first on the practical application of concepts under discussion,
then delves into the theory behind those applications.
Gives students a better perspective on relevance of theoretical concepts, allowing the concepts themselves to
take on more meaning.
Common misconceptions � Dispels frequent falsehoods maintained by those lacking a clear, well-developed
understanding of the field.
Allows students to overcome misinformation and the intimidation that often accompanies it, so that they can
focus on learning the true nature of animal breeding.
Frequent diagrams � Makes extensive use of clear, vivid diagrams that illustrate principles under examination
(particularly statistical concepts).
Provides the visual support that today's learners need to fully grasp what are often abstract concepts and practices.
Key terms and topics � Defines essential words and phrases in the margins alongside the narrative, then
compiles these definitions into a glossary for quick and easy reference.
Allows students to readily understand and retain principles under discussion, while offering an essential reference
tool that will extend beyond their coursework and into their professional lives.
Pedagogical framework � Guides students through questions and problems � complete with odd-numbered
answers � allowing them to test their comprehension and check their work.
Guides students through apparatus that reinforces and applies their knowledge to build a solid understanding
of essential concepts.
Table of Contents
I. ANIMAL BREEDING FROM THE TOP DOWN.
1. What is the �Best� Animal?
2. How are Animal Populations Improved?
II. ANIMAL BREEDING FROM THE BOTTOM UP.
3. Mendelian Inheritance.
4. Genes in Populations.
5. Simply-Inherited and Polygenic Traits.
III. SELECTION.
6. Selection for Simply-Inherited Traits.
7. The Genetic Model for Quantitative Traits.
8. Statistics and Their Application to Quantitative Traits.
9. Heritability and Repeatability.
10. Factors Affecting the Rate of Genetic Change.
11. Genetic Prediction.
12. Large-Scale Genetic Evaluation.
13. Correlated Response to Selection.
14. Multiple-Trait Selection.
IV. MATING SYSTEMS.
15. Selection for Simply-Inherited Traits.
16. Mating Strategies Based on Animal Performance: Random and Assortative Mating.
17. Mating Strategies Based on Pedigree Relationship: Inbreeding and Outbreeding.
18. Hybrid Vigor.
19. Crossbreeding Systems.
V. NEW TECHNIQUES, OLD STRATEGIES
20. Biotechnology and Animal Breeding.
21. Commonsense Animal Breeding.
Glossary.
Appendix.
Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems.
Index.
