Limitations of Individual Selection
Aid to the selection that can't be used for sex-limited traits, traits with low heritability & carcass traits/slaughter traits is:
- Progeny testing
- Individual selection — Correct Answer
- Pedigree selection
- Family selection
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Individual selection
Individual selection (mass selection) fails in three important situations: sex-limited traits (trait not measurable in that sex), low-heritability traits (phenotype is a poor predictor of genotype), and slaughter/carcass traits (measuring requires killing the animal).
Limitations of Individual Selection
| Situation | Problem | Alternative Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sex-limited traits (e.g., milk yield in bulls) | Trait cannot be observed in one sex | Progeny testing, Family selection |
| Low h² traits (e.g., fertility, litter size) | Phenotype does not reliably reflect genotype | Progeny testing, Family selection |
| Carcass / slaughter traits (e.g., meat quality, dressing %) | Animal must be killed to measure trait | Sib selection |
Key Notes on Individual Selection
- Most accurate when h² is high
- Simplest, most rapid, most commonly used basis of selection
- Based on the animal's own phenotypic value
- Gives the shortest generation interval
📚 About this Topic — Animal Genetics & Breeding
This multiple choice question is from Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Genetics & Breeding to strengthen your preparation.
