Part 5. Polygenic Inheritance

This is the final part of a 5-part course Mastering Animal Genetics: Unlocking the Code to Health-Oriented Breeding.

Polygenic traits, influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, present unique challenges for breeders. In this module, you’ll learn how to manage these complexities by understanding heritability, environmental influences, and methods for assessing breeding potential.

What You’ll Learn:

• What makes polygenic traits multifactorial and their breeding implications.
• Understanding the Gaussian curve and its role in breeding decisions.
• The challenge of categorical traits and how to approach them.
• Systematic, random, and permanent environmental factors that impact traits.
• Evaluating heritable variation for breeding success.
• The meaning and limitations of heritability in breeding programs.
• Practical activities for assessing traits in your breed or population.

Why It Matters:

Addressing polygenic traits effectively ensures you can breed for complex qualities like temperament or structural soundness while accounting for environmental and genetic interactions.