Precision animal breeding.

Precision in selecting breeders for improved production has increased over the years with the advances in the application of quantitative genetic theory to animal breeding practices. This was further assisted by the development of statistical tools designed to exploit performance and pedigree information to understand the genetic basis of improved performance. Recently, molecular genetic revolution has led to the identification of quantitative trait loci influencing traits of economic importance. In this review, we have summarized these advancements and presented some examples related to beef cattle breeding. We have also presented a futuristic vision of precision animal breeding through integrated approaches using a systems biology framework. While most of these developments in statistical methodology, molecular markers, and gene expression patterns are advancing independently, greater challenges lie ahead in drawing these together to derive greater benefits from efficient animal production systems.