This is a book about animal breeding. But what is animal breeding? Animal breeding is about selective breeding: only use males and females for breeding that have passed a certain quality criterion. Animal breeding and genetics is the branch of science concerned with maximizing desirable genetic traits in domesticated animals. The study of animal genetics involves topics such as gene expression, colour genetics and animal breeding. Animal genetics focuses on various aspects of animal heredity, or the passing of traits from one generation to the next. The field encompasses topics such as history of animal breeding , classification of breeds, landmarks in animal breeding, basics of animal breeding, different methods of selection, compilation of selection, response to selection, inbreeding, outbreeding, crossbreeding, new breeds of livestock, ONBS and genetic diversity. the book stresses application, then explains theory for an overall understanding of the material. Coverage explores the latest material on interactions and breeding objectives; performance testing; probabilities and inheritance; the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles; realized response to selection; breeding for uniformity; and biotechnology. The book is useful for UG\PG students, breeders, extension functionaries and KVK Scientists.

Dr. Safeer Alam, presently working as Professor & Head, Animal Genetics & Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K). He hasmore than 30 years of Extension, Teaching and Research experience in the field of animal genetics and breeding. He has served as Dy. Director/Associate Director (Trainings) in SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K), and having working experience in KVK - Visakhapatnam, A.P.; Ambala, Haryana; Kaimur, Bihar and Hazaribagh, Jharkhand as Programme Coordinator/Training Associate (Animal Science). He also has handled Animal Genetic Conservation/livestock breeding projects of ICAR/MoAg. Government of India, New Delhi. Being faced various problems associated to breeding and breed improvement at farmers’ fields while working in KVKs, an idea emerged to write a practical utility book on "Understanding Animal Breeding" for the use of UG/PG students, breeders, extension functionaries and KVK Scientists. He has also published monograph on Beetal Goat, worked on Phenotypic Characterization of Belahi Cattle and Purgi goats. Author is having a good number of research paper, popular articles, lead lectures in various quality magazines and National/International conference proceedings.