Fokwaarden

Fokwaarden is a Dutch term that translates to "breeding values" in English. It refers to an estimate of an animal's genetic potential for a specific trait, such as milk production in dairy cows, growth rate in pigs, or wool quality in sheep. These values are calculated by animal breeding organizations using data from the animal itself, its relatives, and potentially other animals within the population.

The calculation of fokwaarden is a complex statistical process that aims to separate the genetic influence of an animal from environmental factors that can affect its performance. This is crucial because an animal's observable characteristics, or phenotype, are a result of both its genes (genotype) and its environment. By accounting for these environmental influences, fokwaarden provide a more accurate picture of the animal's inherent genetic merit.

Fokwaarden are used by breeders to make informed decisions about which animals to select for mating. By choosing animals with high fokwaarden for desired traits, breeders aim to improve the genetic quality of their herds or flocks over generations. This can lead to increased productivity, better health, or other desirable characteristics in the offspring. The concept is a cornerstone of modern animal breeding programs, contributing to advancements in livestock agriculture worldwide.