Genetic Models for Animal Breeding

Overview

Animal breeding involves the selective breeding of domestic or livestock animals with the intention to improve desirable (and heritable) qualities in the next generation. This course introduces the steps required to design a program for breeding animals and teaches the genetic and statistical concepts that are needed to build a solid breeding program. 

You will learn how an animal breeder balances the need for improving the desirable qualities of the animals with the need for genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of the breeding program. You will learn about the scientific concepts in genetics that are applied in animal breeding, as well as how to apply the genetic models and computational methods that are used in animal breeding.

Professionals working with animals will be able to use the knowledge from this course to understand the impact of breeding on animal populations and use genetic principles to make their decisions. This course will allow you an advanced starting point for further studies, such as M.Sc. level courses in breeding.

Key facts

This Genetic Models for Animal Breeding course at Wageningen University and Research - WageningenX is part of the Professional Certificate Program “Animal Breeding and Genetics”. Join the other course in the program, Evaluating Animal Breeding Programs, and advance your career as a breeder.