Abstract

The deer industry has made significant progress in developing and applying genetic tools to accelerate genetic gain. This paper briefly outlines the application of current tools (DNA parentage, DNA breed composition and genetic evaluation for growth and velvet), and then suggests a range of other tools which might be used in deer breeding in the future and makes brief comment as to their application. These tools include: genetic evaluation of a wider range of traits; economic indices, mate allocation software, breeding program diagnostic software, enhanced breed composition tests, single gene tests and whole genome selection.

JA, Archer, JC McEwan, and R Hall

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 67, Wanaka, 91-94, 2007