Good video, lots of great and very useful information in here. Although, the idea that genetic drift is a "code word" for inbreeding is incorrect. While both processes can affect allele frequencies and genetic diversity, they are different mechanisms. Inbreeding specifically involves the breeding of genetically similar individuals, while genetic drift is about random changes in allele frequencies that can occur in any mating pattern. I am assuming you know this but you did say it in the video maybe just to make a certain point and I just wanted to add this detail. Also, inbreeding depression can occur without a significant loss of genetic diversity despit what you say in your video. It is the reduced fitness or performance that often accompanies inbreeding or random genetic drift, and it can result from the expression of deleterious recessive alleles due to increased homozygosity, rather than a substantial loss of genetic diversity.
Have you heard what Allen Williams says about artificial insemination? In a recent webinar he said that after doing AI and studying it on the highest academic level for many years he would always prefer natural copulation because of the many experienced drawbacks otherwise. Your thoughts on that? Also, have you heard of mob breeding? I'd like to get your take on that as well :)
Well, I don't know Allen Williams (any public lectures available to look him up?) but I have mixed feelings on AI. When used properly it has the potential to allow for crosses that no other agriculture process does. But when used incorrectly it has the potential to crush genetic diversity faster than any other process as well. like any technology it is a "double edged sword." My opinion of it, like my opinion of most technologies, is that we need to seek balance--use it occasionally where it can really help and keep enough males in our herds/flocks for routine breeding. It is a both/and situation, not an either/or. Now, mob breeding--you are referencing the practice of creating multiple male herds that develop natural herd structures, yes? I will be discussing that at length in the next breeding/genetics video! If you want a spoiler, look up the ancient white park cattle and the research that has been done on them in England. It is a breeding method that for sure works and has a place...as long as you can meet the 50/500 rule requirements, so it is not for small holdings. In short, all breeding methods work in SOME situation...the real task is to understand them all well enough that you can make a nuanced decision as to what method is most appropriate for your farm and goals for it! Anybody who comes at this preaching "this thing over here is the only thing" or "that thing over there never works" is way off from the get go.
Some good concepts here
😊
Good content
Thank you so much, glad it was useful for you!
Good video, lots of great and very useful information in here.
Although, the idea that genetic drift is a "code word" for inbreeding is incorrect. While both processes can affect allele frequencies and genetic diversity, they are different mechanisms. Inbreeding specifically involves the breeding of genetically similar individuals, while genetic drift is about random changes in allele frequencies that can occur in any mating pattern. I am assuming you know this but you did say it in the video maybe just to make a certain point and I just wanted to add this detail.
Also, inbreeding depression can occur without a significant loss of genetic diversity despit what you say in your video. It is the reduced fitness or performance that often accompanies inbreeding or random genetic drift, and it can result from the expression of deleterious recessive alleles due to increased homozygosity, rather than a substantial loss of genetic diversity.
Of course you are quite correct, these are the dangers of trying to simplify so much into so little time. Thanks for the kind comment!
Have you heard what Allen Williams says about artificial insemination? In a recent webinar he said that after doing AI and studying it on the highest academic level for many years he would always prefer natural copulation because of the many experienced drawbacks otherwise. Your thoughts on that?
Also, have you heard of mob breeding? I'd like to get your take on that as well :)
Well, I don't know Allen Williams (any public lectures available to look him up?) but I have mixed feelings on AI. When used properly it has the potential to allow for crosses that no other agriculture process does. But when used incorrectly it has the potential to crush genetic diversity faster than any other process as well. like any technology it is a "double edged sword." My opinion of it, like my opinion of most technologies, is that we need to seek balance--use it occasionally where it can really help and keep enough males in our herds/flocks for routine breeding. It is a both/and situation, not an either/or.
Now, mob breeding--you are referencing the practice of creating multiple male herds that develop natural herd structures, yes? I will be discussing that at length in the next breeding/genetics video! If you want a spoiler, look up the ancient white park cattle and the research that has been done on them in England. It is a breeding method that for sure works and has a place...as long as you can meet the 50/500 rule requirements, so it is not for small holdings.
In short, all breeding methods work in SOME situation...the real task is to understand them all well enough that you can make a nuanced decision as to what method is most appropriate for your farm and goals for it! Anybody who comes at this preaching "this thing over here is the only thing" or "that thing over there never works" is way off from the get go.
Hello! My third video in this series which talks about mob breeding specifically is up, in case you are interested!