Most Effective Aid to Selection for Sex-Limited Traits

The most effective aid to selection for improving a sex-limited trait is:

Correct Answer: Progeny testing

Progeny testing is the most effective aid to selection for improving sex-limited traits (e.g., milk production, egg production). Since the sire cannot express the sex-limited trait directly, evaluation is done through the performance of daughters/progeny.

Why Progeny Testing for Sex-Limited Traits?

• A bull (sire) cannot produce milk — individual selection is impossible.
• Progeny testing evaluates the sire through his daughters' milk yields.
• It is a two-way selection: selects the sire AND provides information on progeny quality.
• Most effective and best basis of selection overall, though it increases generation interval.

Note: Sib selection is best for carcass traits; Progeny testing is best for sex-limited traits.