This article is another chapter from Thomas Shaw’s 1902, animal breeding book. Shaw looks at selection from many points of view beginning with a definition of the importance of selection decisions. Selection is the cornerstone of any breeding program. Progress cannot be made without making wise selection decisions. Selection is the essence of animal breeding.
There are many ways that selection occurs, 1) environmental adaptation, 2) selection according to a standard of excellence, 3) selection by pedigree, 4) individual merit, 5) special care in the selection of sires, 6) selection to avoid the transmission of negative characteristics and 7) culling to eliminate undesirable animals.
Again I will warn you that the language employed by Shaw may be a bit old fashioned but there are definitely gems of wisdom spread among the passages.
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