Animal Breeding Books
Essential and recommended books for animal breeding and genetic evaluation
⭐ Essential Reading
(3 books)
Linear Models for the Prediction of Genetic Merit of Animals, 4th
Raphael A. Mrode, Ivan Pocrnic (2023)
The 4th edition of this comprehensive textbook covering BLUP, linear models, and genetic evaluation methods. Essential reading for understanding modern animal breeding.
ISBN: 978-1800620483
This book may be available from your University library website
Applications of Linear Models in Animal Breeding
Charles R. Henderson (1984)
Classic textbook by C.R. Henderson, the father of BLUP. Fundamental reading for understanding mixed model equations and genetic evaluation.
Bases for Genomic Prediction
Andres Legarra, Daniela A.L. Lourenco, Zulma G. Vitezica (2024)
Modern textbook on genomic selection and prediction methods. Covers single-step GBLUP, GWAS, and advanced genomic methods. Latest 2024 edition.
👍 Recommended
(6 books)
Linear Models and Animal Breeding
Larry R. Schaeffer (2010)
Comprehensive course notes on animal models for genetic evaluation. Clear explanations with practical examples.
Selection Index and Introduction to Mixed Model Methods
L. Dale Van Vleck (1993)
The "Green Book" - an excellent introduction to quantitative genetics and animal breeding principles. Great for first year Masters students.
Known as the "Green Book" in the animal breeding community
ISBN: 978-0849387623
Selection Indices and Prediction of Genetic Merit
N.D. Cameron (1997)
Comprehensive coverage of selection index theory and application in animal breeding programs.
ISBN: 978-0851991696
This book may be available from your University library website
Understanding Animal Breeding
Richard M. Bourdon (1999)
Perfect for undergraduates and new graduate students with no breeding background. Clear, accessible introduction to animal breeding principles. Second edition.
ISBN: 978-0130964496
This book may be available from your University library website
Textbook Animal Breeding and Genetics
Wageningen University & Research (2024)
Comprehensive undergraduate textbook from Wageningen University. Covers fundamental principles of animal breeding and genetics. Second edition (2024).
Genome-Wide Association Studies and Genomic Prediction
Cedric Gondro, Julius van der Werf, Ben Hayes
Modern methods for GWAS and genomic prediction. Essential reading for understanding contemporary genomic breeding approaches.
ISBN: 978-1627034463
This book may be available from your University library website
📚 Supplemental Resources
(3 books)
Notes on the theory and application of selection principles for the genetic improvement of animals
L. Dale Van Vleck
Course notes on selection principles and breeding methods from Dr. Van Vleck.
Economic Aspects of Animal Breeding
Joel I. Weller
Covers the economic considerations and decision-making in animal breeding programs. Essential for understanding breeding program design.
ISBN: 978-0412597503
This book may be available from your University library website
Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs
Beef Improvement Federation
Practical guidelines for implementing beef cattle improvement programs. Wiki-based resource updated regularly.
This book may be available from your University library website
💡 Learning Path
Beginners: Start with the "Green Book" (Van Vleck 1993) or WUR Undergraduate textbook for fundamentals.
Intermediate: Move to Schaeffer's Animal Models and Cameron's Selection Indices.
Advanced: Study Henderson (1984) and Mrode (2023) for deep understanding of BLUP and genetic evaluation.
Modern Methods: Legarra's Genomic Prediction book covers contemporary genomic selection approaches.