Modelling Agricultural Systems: Applications to Livestock Breeding
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Traditionally the evaluation of animal genetic traits has focused primarily on
production traits and the construction of selection indices. Selection indices, however,
fail to consider the effect of management practices and the environment on
productivity. Non-production traits are either under-valued or not valued at all. Given
the changing demands placed on agriculture and the increased understanding of the
effects of agriculture on the environment, this approach can be considered myopic.
While techniques are available to link economic and biophysical/environmental
models, little has been applied in the context of genetic trait evaluation. This paper
therefore explores the potential for integration and the development of methods that
capture not only breeding objectives, but also non-production traits. Such an approach
should provide greater understanding of the implications of breeding choices and
reflect not only the interests of farmers, but of society as a whole.