Animal breeding is a branch of
animal science that addresses the evaluation (using
best linear unbiased prediction and other methods) of the genetic value (estimated breeding value, EBV) of livestock. Selecting for breeding animals with superior EBV in growth rate, egg, meat, milk, or wool production, or with other desirable traits has revolutionized livestock production throughout the world. The scientific theory of animal breeding incorporates
population genetics,
quantitative genetics,
statistics, and recently
molecular genomics and is based on the pioneering work of
Sewall Wright,
Jay Lush, and
Charles Henderson.