Perceived uses of Quantitative Genetic Analysis as a Management Tool for Small Ruminant Producers
Open Access
- Author:
- Fiorentino, Michael
- Graduate Program:
- Agricultural and Extension Education
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- May 02, 2019
- Committee Members:
- Kevin Wylie Curry, Jr., Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Committee Member
Chad Daniel Dechow, Committee Member - Keywords:
- Small Ruminant
- Abstract:
- The use of quantitative genetic analysis provides small ruminant producers with an invaluable tool to assessing the economic performance of their herds or flocks. The success of an effective breeding system is becoming increasingly reliant on the observation of economically functional traits which can be defined as traits related to growth, reproduction, health and product quality. Norris, Ngambi, Benyi, and Mbajiorgu (2011) suggested that an emphasis on traits for environmental adaptability, feed conversion efficiency, and reproduction will substantially benefit the industry. The perceived uses of quantitative genetic analysis as well as the barriers inhibiting the adoption was analyzed using a descriptive research methodology. The population for this study was small ruminant producers in New York state. A convenience sample of 981 sheep and goat producers was used, however, response rates were only calculated for the 571 participants who successfully received a survey instrument. Of those producers, there was a total of 77 respondents for a 13.5% response rate. Data was collected through an online survey questionnaire administered through Qualtrics. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of small ruminant producers in New York. Information about the farm status, the socioeconomic factors of production, and the psychosocial factors of the producer were collected and analyzed. A binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of small ruminant producers’ intent to adopt the use of quantitative genetic analysis. The predictor variables identified in this study were not found to be significant indicators of small ruminant producers’ intent to adopt the use of quantitative genetic analysis, however, recommendations for small ruminant producers, Extension educators, and future research are identified.