Impacto de las decisiones incorrectas en la elección de la genética según las regiones

Abstract

The biggest challenge of animal breeding is to identify as close as possible genetic superior individuals, which comes down to a minimization of the environmental effects as to achieve greater convergence between phenotype and genotype. Currently, in mathematical breeding models thanks to the availability of modern methodologies it is feasible to include a series of environmental factors (such as gender, age, month or year of birth) enabling the estimation of the genotype from phenotype. Fortunately, there is enough genetic diversity for different systems and regions. Considering the breeding in the temperate regions, with rearing or fattening for the local market, the logical choice may be the traditional British breeds. If we think in a fattening system of heavy export animals, it is possible to opt for continental crosses with European breeds (Limousin, Charolais, Fleckvieh, etc.) to generate steers with high growth potential and good size and distribution of most valuable muscle mass. In subtropical conditions the decision can be directed to composite breeds (Brangus, Braford) that have shown very good ability to adapt to these conditions, affecting less negatively the quality of the meat of pure Indicus breeds. However, the wrong decisions in choosing the genotype for a particular region may lead to failures that are only observable in the medium or long term. The introduction of high producing dairy breeds in warm tropical regions is a typical example. Examples of this type for other situations are described in the text. Finally the importance of the use of EPDs (Expected Progeny Difference) in any breeding program and the incorporation of reproductive biotech within these programs are highlighted.