Lessons from established breeding programs: terrestrial and aquatic animals

Some relevant components of selection program theory and implementation are reviewed. This includes pedigree recording, genetic evaluation, balancing genetic gains and genetic diversity and tactical integration of key issues. Lessons learned are briefly described – illustrating how existing method and tools can be useful when launching a program in a novel species, and yet highlighting the importance of proper understanding and custom application according to the biology and environments of that species.

Introduction

The PACLIM workshops celebrated their tenth anniversary from April 4 to 7, 1993. The location, as for each of the previous meetings, was the beautiful grounds of the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California. The setting is emblematic of the concerns of those who attend: tucked in amidst the vegetation, a short stroll away from the zone where the land and the ocean and the atmosphere have long continued a meeting of their own, although a meeting with a far more ancient pedigree.