This book is designed as a comprehensive academic and practical reference for animal scientists, veterinarians, B.V.Sc. & A.H. students, researchers, livestock professionals, and progressive farmers. It explains the science of animal breeding—applying genetic and reproductive principles to improve populations—and emphasizes the importance of selection and mating strategies in achieving long-term genetic gain.

Across 39 well-structured chapters, the book covers foundational and advanced topics including Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, Hardy–Weinberg law, linkage and population forces, phenotypic variance components, breeding value, heritability, repeatability, genetic correlations, selection indices, and expected genetic progress. It also discusses breeding strategies for cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, swine, and poultry, national breed improvement programs, breed classification, and the integration of molecular tools with traditional breeding approaches.

The subject matter is presented in a logical progression, enabling readers to move seamlessly from basic concepts to their practical applications. While extensive care has been taken in preparing mathematical expressions, illustrations, and diagrams, minor inaccuracies may remain, and readers are encouraged to share suggestions for future editions. Some figures sourced long ago could not be traced to their original references, and any inadvertent omissions may be communicated for rectification.

This book represents years of teaching, research, and practical experience, offering a dependable resource for strengthening knowledge in animal genetics, breeding, and livestock improvement.

Dr. C.V. Singh is presently Professor & Head (Retired), Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar. With nearly 40 years of extensive teaching and research experience in the field of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to both
academia and livestock development.

Throughout his career, he has held various prestigious administrative positions, including Principal of CCSSDS Degree College, Iglas (Aligarh) and Joint Director of the Instructional Dairy and Poultry Farms of the University. A renowned animal breeder, Dr. Singh has been instrumental in the identification and registration of new germplasm, including Chaugarkha and Udaipuri goats as well as Hill Cattle. He has also contributed to the development of a commercial broiler strain.

Dr. Singh has organized two national symposiums and has mentored over 19 postgraduate students in the discipline of Animal and Poultry Breeding. He is the author of several books and monographs, and has published around 350 research papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals.
An active member of numerous professional societies, scientific boards, and selection committees of various State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), Dr. Singh continues to influence the field through his expertise and commitment to excellence.

Part-A: Principles of Animal and Population Genetics
1. History of Genetics
2. Chromosome Number in Livestock
3. Mitosis, Meiosis and Gametogenesis
4. Mendelian Principles
5. Sex linked; Sex Limited and Sex Influenced inheritance
6. Mutation and Chromosomal Aberrations65
7. Cytogenetics
8. Molecular Genetics
9. Gene Concept, DNA And its Replication
10. Molecular techniques
11. The Origins of Population Genetics
12. Gene and Genotype Frequency and Factors Influencing Gene Frequency
13. Quantitative Genetics: Nature and Properties
14. Values and Means of Population
15. Components of Phenotypic and Genetic Variance197
16. Resemblance of Between Relatives
17. Heritability and Methods of Estimation
18. Repeatability:Methods of Estimation and Uses
19. Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations
Part-B: Quantitave Genetics
20. History of Animal Breeding
21. Classification of Livestock Breeds
22. Economic Characters of Livestock and Poultry
23. Selection:Natural Vs Artificial Selection
24. Bases of Selection
25. Response to Selection and Factor Affecting it
26. Methods of Selection
27. Classification of Mating Systems
28. Heterosis: System of Utilization of Heterosis
29. Selection for Combining Ability (RS and RRS)
30. Breeding Strategies for the Improvement of Dairy Cattle and Buffalo
31. Breeding Strategies for the Improvement of Sheep, Goat, Swine and Poultry
32. Methods of Sire Evaluation
33. Open Nucleus Breeding System
34. Development of New Breeds
35. Current Livestock and Poultry Breeding Policies and Programmes in the State and Country
36. Application of Reproductive and Biotechnological Tools for Genetic Improvement of Livestock and Poultry
37. Breeding for Disease Resistance
38. Conservation of Genetic Resources in India
References
Index