progeny selection

Progeny selection is a method used in animal breeding to evaluate and select breeding stock, particularly sires, for traits that are difficult to measure directly or that manifest later in life. This process involves assessing the performance of an animal's offspring (progeny) to infer the parent's genetic merit.12

In dairy cattle, for example, the best cows are chosen as "bull mothers," and their offspring are evaluated. Highly accurate progeny testing is crucial for sires used in artificial insemination, as they control the genetic direction of a population. By mating selected sires to enough cows to produce numerous progeny, their breeding values can be accurately determined. This systematic selection has led to consistent genetic gains in milk production over the years.1

Progeny testing is most effective when combined with detailed genealogical records (pedigrees) and when the heritability of a trait is relatively low. This method helps breeders make informed decisions to improve desired characteristics in future generations.2