Mate Selection of Pure Beef Cattle

Abstract

This thesis presents the comparison of results of applying tactical and strategic approaches for different breeding programs according to diverse objectives targeting commercial beef production systems in Argentina. The use of the Differential Evolution algorithm for Mate Selection, in which those objectives are considered in a Mate Selection Index function, allows the optimization of profit over herds, and the control of other genetic aspects such as maintenance of genetic diversity and avoidance of inbreeding. The techniques used in this thesis for investigation are based of methods for progressive implementation of breeding programs, and as such bear direct relevance to progressive sectors of the beef industry.