In this chapter, the major breeding goals for each of the poultry products (eggs and meat) are discussed. An outline on how the breeding and selection methods have been developed appropriately on chicken meat (broiler) and chicken egg sectors was also presented.

In this chapter the selection criteria for reproductive competence in the mare which often is referred to as breeding soundness evaluation (BSE)which includes: history; temperament; age; general conformation and condition; reproductive tract examination (external and internal); infections; blood...

This chapter discusses the criteria and techniques that can be used in the selection for reproductive competence in stallions that have met performance selection criteria. Reproductive physiology and some of the causes of infertility in the stallion and the methods by which they can be investigated ...

This chapter describes the genes, quantitative trait loci and marker assisted selection in horses bred for racing performance.

Field testing - trialling - of oil palm is subject to many factors, chief among them being the basic biological features of the crop (it is a long-lived perennial) and the traits to be assessed (mainly yield, thus mature palms need to be produced). Trialling is the next step after breeders have...

Before trialling can begin, various considerations and preparations need to be made. First it is beneficial to know if the trait of interest is governed mainly by genetic or environmental factors. If the trait is controlled by genes which are little affected by the environment then field trials may ...

The aim of oil palm trialling is to evaluate field performance among a range of genotypes and to select those of interest. A basic necessity is the provision of good quality planting material, usually produced from deliberate cross-pollinations. Details of methods in pre-trialling activities, i.e....

A brief introduction to selection is given. This is based on a natural process, but breeders aim to accelerate it by screening selected palms within and between genotypes or progenies under field conditions. Breeding is only effective if the trait of interest is controlled genetically (traits that...

DNA analysis provides an opportunity to screen for certain traits prior to field planting. This is particularly important in screening for shell thickness. The shell thickness gene (Sh) is probably the most valuable gene in oil palm breeding and commerce. Pre-field planting screening is important...

This 288-page-book consists of eight chapters and is a practical manual for goat production systems covering: breeding and selection (chapters 1-3), feeding based on available crops and resources (chapter 4), and targeted preventative health care for increased productivity and income (chapters...