Animal Genetics And Diseases Advances In Farming And Livestock Systems

The new Animal Genetics and Disease 2017 conference committee organized a Research Topic for the proceedings of this inaugural conference. The meeting brought together specialists working on the interface between genomics, genetic engineering, and infectious disease, with the aims of improving animal and human health and welfare. This conference was funded by Advanced Courses and Scientific Conference at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK. The conference will highlight breakthroughs in genomic technologies that are rapidly increasing our understanding of the fundamental role that host and pathogen genetics play in infections and epidemics. This Research Topic focuses on how infections spread and how they further affect the productivity of livestock systems and food supply chains. Thanks to technological advances, we now have the tools for real-time surveillance of zoonoses affecting wildlife, farm animals and animal-to-human disease transmission.

This new edition provides an updated review of the principles of animal breeding for advanced health and disease resistance. Authored by experts, it uses examples covering many diseases of importance to livestock production across all major livestock species. Topics include techniques and approaches, viruses, Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), bacteria, parasites, vectors, and broader health issues seen in production systems, including metabolic diseases.

This newly updated and revised volume of the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology (ESST) details the role of Animal Breeding and Genetics in the sustainability of animal agriculture. The volume covers scientific principles and applications includes the current science used to advance cattle, poultry, swine,sheep, and equine populations, as well as the future role of techniques such as gene editing. International leaders in the field explain foundational concepts such as heritability, the covariance between relatives, statistical approaches to predicting the genetic merit of individuals, and the development and advancement of molecular techniques to elucidate changes in the DNA sequence that underly phenotypic variation. The use of genetic-based tools to improve animal agriculture and meet consumer demands across species is treated in detail. Readers will gain an understanding of how global livestock producers have implemented advanced genetic selection tools and used them to improve reproduction, production, efficiency, health, and sustainability. The interactions of genetics and production environments, and the genetic components of the complex interactions among animals are also discussed. The future of Animal Breeding and Genetics, including the challenges and opportunities that exist in feeding a growing world population, are addressed.

The Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics Inc. is a professional organisation based in Australia and New Zealand for livestock scientists, breeders, educators, students and industry service providers.

It is very important to understand the recent advances and basic concepts of veterinary genetics to explore the possibilities for control of diseases in animals. They are also significant for enhancing animal production and reproduction. Our book Trends and Advances in Veterinary Genetics provides a concise introduction and details to the aspects of genetics relevant to animal science and production. This is the first edition of the book so it covers the introductory level of topics which are ideal for veterinary students, classroom use, and practitioners who require more guidance with genetics. The book coverage includes the following main sections: Biotechnology and Reproductive Genetics, Advances in Embryonic Genetics, Conservation and Basic Genetics, and Veterinary Genetics and Future. Each book section comprises two chapters from renowned experts from the area and gives readers a unique opportunity to explore the topic.

The study of genomes of organisms which incorporates the principles of genetics is referred to as genomics. DNA sequencing, bioinformatics and recombinant DNA are some of the techniques studied under this discipline. Humans depend on farm animals for various products such as meat, milk, fur, leather, egg, etc. The study of farm animals' genome aims to make use of the understanding of genomics and proteomics for the purpose of increasing livestock productivity, sustainable breeding and xenotransplantation. Increased disease resistance and inheritance of desired characteristics are some of the prominent applications of animal genetics and genome study. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included in this book. It is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of farm animal genomics. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.

Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resources - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programmes. Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation. The main findings of the report are summarized in "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - in brief," of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish versions can be found on the attached CD-ROM and are also available separately in printed form. As well providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of "The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a "Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources," which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community. Published also in French.

This "in brief" version, intended for use by decision-makers and the wider public, presents a summary of the key findings of the main report (see above). Part 1 outlines the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector. Part 2 considers the livestock production systems of which animal genetic resources form a part. Part 3 - largely based on the 148 Country reports - is an assessment of institutional and human capacity in the field of animal genetic resources management. Part 4 presents the state of the art in terms of the methods available for the management of animal genetic resources. As well as providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community.