HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by White, J. M. Articles by Vinson, W. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by White, J. M. Articles by Vinson, W. E.

Teaching with Computer Simulated Herds

Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061

ABSTRACT

Two computer simulated herd breeding programs are used to enhance the learning experience of undergraduates in an applied animal breeding course at Virginia Tech. The programs include a simulation system in a swine herd for multiple traits and a program for a single trait in dairy herds. These programs are useful for illustrating the effectiveness of well defined selection criteria and goals in improving lowly heritable traits (swine program) and demonstrating the complexity and attention to detail necessary for effective young sire selection and testing programs in dairy cattle breeding. They also provide students the opportunity to critically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of such herd breeding programs.