Harris D L, Newman S
ARS, USDA, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166.
J Anim Sci. 1994 Aug;72(8):2178-200. doi: 10.2527/1994.7282178x.
Fifty years of research in animal breeding and genetics are examined from four perspectives: 1) genetic prediction, 2) animal testing and selection schemes, 3) dissemination of genetic improvement, and 4) definition of breeding objectives in economic form. Breeding in all classes of livestock has moved from a purebred appearance orientation to a performance (either purebred or crossbred) orientation. Unfortunately, the evolution from a performance orientation to an economic orientation is incomplete, especially for some livestock classes. Placing breeding objectives into a mathematical form on a sound economic basis is key to integrating modern developments in animal breeding into more purposeful industry programs. Procedures used to develop such objectives are reviewed with attention to common approaches. Where consensus is reached about a breeding objective (in economic form) for a class of livestock, this objective can be used in conjunction with genetic predictions to rank animals within a breeding population. Ranking without undue attention to herd of origin facilitates a pyramid-shaped hierarchy of animals that can be fundamental to the functioning of breeding enterprises contributing improvements to operations concerned with production. Genetic improvements should flow from proven genetically superior animals to improved production systems. The tiers of the pyramid need to be organized relative to animals with differing levels of economic evaluation.
1）遗传预测；2）动物测试与选择方案；3）遗传改良的传播；4）以经济形式定义育种目标。各类家畜育种已从单纯注重纯种外观转向注重性能（纯种或杂种性能）。遗憾的是，从性能导向向经济导向的转变并不彻底，尤其在某些家畜类别中。在坚实的经济基础上，将育种目标转化为数学形式，是把动物育种领域的现代进展融入更具针对性的产业计划的关键。本文回顾了用于制定此类目标的程序，并关注了常见方法。当就某类家畜的育种目标（以经济形式）达成共识时，该目标可与遗传预测结合使用，对育种群体中的动物进行排名。在排名时不过多关注动物的来源群体，有助于构建金字塔形的动物层级结构，这对于育种企业的运作至关重要，能为生产相关业务带来改进。遗传改良应从经证实具有遗传优势的动物流向改良后的生产系统。金字塔的层级需要根据经济评估水平不同的动物进行组织。
