Animal Genetics 

About: Animal Genetics is an academic journal published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Gene. It has an ISSN identifier of 0268-9146. Over the lifetime, 4533 publications have been published receiving 97689 citations.

Genetic diversity in farm animals--a review.

Abstract: Domestication of livestock species and a long history of migrations, selection and adaptation have created an enormous variety of breeds. Conservation of these genetic resources relies on demographic characterization, recording of production environments and effective data management. In addition, molecular genetic studies allow a comparison of genetic diversity within and across breeds and a reconstruction of the history of breeds and ancestral populations. This has been summarized for cattle, yak, water buffalo, sheep, goats, camelids, pigs, horses, and chickens. Further progress is expected to benefit from advances in molecular technology.

Comparisons of three probability formulae for parentage exclusion

Abstract: Three general formulae calibrate the average capability of marker systems to dispute falsely reported pedigree records in uniparous species. The most familiar exclusion formula applies to paternity, although the same formula applies equally to maternity. Another formula faults the relationship of a single offspring with its putative parent; for example, where the genotype of the other parent is not available. The remaining formulae excludes both of the falsely recorded parents of a substituted offspring. Simplified forms of the three general formulae facilitate the calculation of maximal average exclusion values over a range of hypothetical markers. Allele frequency data on eight marker systems in horses provide practical examples. The exclusion values of the three formulae are compared.

DNA fingerprints of dogs and cats.

Abstract: Summary. Human minisatellite probes consisting of tandem repeats of the ‘core’ sequence, a putative recombination signal in human DNA, cross-hybridize to multiple polymorphic fragments in dog and cat DNA to produce individual-specific DNA ‘fingerprints’. Pedigree analysis shows that most of the DNA fragments detected in an individual are heterozygous, and that these fragments are derived from multiple dispersed autosomal loci. DNA fingerprints of cats and dogs should prove suitable for individual identification and for establishing family relationships. They are also suitable for rapid marker generation in large pedigrees and could be applied to linkage analysis in these animals.

Climate change and the characterization, breeding and conservation of animal genetic resources

Abstract: Livestock production both contributes to and is affected by climate change In addition to the physiological effects of higher temperatures on individual animals, the consequences of climate change are likely to include increased risk that geographically restricted rare breed populations will be badly affected by disturbances Indirect effects may be felt via ecosystem changes that alter the distribution of animal diseases or affect the supply of feed Breeding goals may have to be adjusted to account for higher temperatures, lower quality diets and greater disease challenge Species and breeds that are well adapted to such conditions may become more widely used Climate change mitigation strategies, in combination with ever increasing demand for food, may also have an impact on breed and species utilization, driving a shift towards monogastrics and breeds that are efficient converters of feed into meat, milk and eggs This may lead to the neglect of the adaptation potential of local breeds in developing countries Given the potential for significant future changes in production conditions and in the objectives of livestock production, it is essential that the value provided by animal genetic diversity is secured This requires better characterization of breeds, production environments and associated knowledge; the compilation of more complete breed inventories; improved mechanisms to monitor and respond to threats to genetic diversity; more effective in situ and ex situ conservation measures; genetic improvement programmes targeting adaptive traits in high-output and performance traits in locally adapted breeds; increased support for developing countries in their management of animal genetic resources; and wider access to genetic resources and associated knowledge