Animal Breeding in the Age of Genomics

Scientific bases of animal breeding and genetics were developed in the mid-20th century and were mainly established upon performance recording and reproductive management, with solid statistical foundations. Organized over these principles, breeding programs resulted in significant genetic progress in all animal species.However, dramatic changes have occurred in animal breeding over the last decades, with major developments in areas such as molecular genetics and genomics, which have opened entirely new possibilities for animal genetic improvement.The challenge nowadays is to bring together the quantitative and genomic perspectives in a realistic and efficient way, and transmit this new perception in a consolidated format, exploring the potential that may result from these innovations, but also addressing their possible shortcomings and the ethical considerations involved in their application. Animal Breeding in the Age of Genomics bridges the gap between conventional Animal Breeding a