Theory question 106
Animal Improvement and Breeding(a) Define the term animal improvement. (b) (i) Explain the term introduction as used in animal improvement. (ii) State three advantages and three disadvantages of introduction as a method of animal improvement. (c) (i) Define the term progeny selection. (ii) State five desirable characteristics that could be used in selecting animals used for improvement. (d) State three advantages of artificial insemination
Show the model answer
(a) Animal improvement is the use of breeding and management methods to produce animals with better qualities (yield, growth, disease resistance) than their parents
(b)(i) Introduction: bringing in new breeds (often exotic) from another area or country to use alone or to cross with local animals
(ii) Advantages, any three: quick way to get high-yielding animals; brings in new desirable genes; can be crossed with local breeds for hybrid vigour; improves product quality. Disadvantages, any three: introduced animals may not adapt to the climate; may bring in new diseases; expensive to import and maintain; need better feed and management; local breeds may be lost
(c)(i) Progeny selection (progeny testing): choosing parent animals by judging the performance of their offspring
(ii) Any five: high yield (milk, eggs, meat); fast growth rate; good feed conversion; disease resistance; high fertility/prolificacy; good mothering ability; adaptation to climate; good conformation; docility
(d) Any three: one male can serve many females; prevents spread of venereal diseases; semen can be stored and transported; reduces cost of keeping males; allows use of very large or dead superior males
Define, then give the separate advantages and disadvantages asked for.