Livestock improvement: art, science, or industry?

Area of Science:

• Animal breeding and genetics
• Agricultural economics
• Livestock production systems

Background:

• Historical perspectives on livestock improvement over 70 years.
• Evolution from art to science to industrial technology.
• Current practices in corporate poultry, dairy, and swine breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the changing perspectives in livestock improvement.
• To analyze the application of scientific tools and economic focus in breeding.
• To highlight the need for economic considerations in extensively managed species.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of livestock improvement strategies.
• Analysis of the role of economics in breeding programs.
• Comparison of breeding approaches across different livestock classes.

Main Results:

• Livestock improvement has transitioned through distinct phases: art, science, and technology.
• Corporate breeding (poultry, dairy, swine) emphasizes economics, utilizing selection indexes.
• Extensively managed species lack this economic focus, hindering organized breeding contributions.

Conclusions:

• Economic focus and selection indexes are vital for effective livestock improvement.
• Implementing these principles in extensively managed species is necessary for progress.
• Strategic breeding direction is essential for optimizing livestock production contributions.