Genetic merit

Genetic merit refers to the inherent value an individual’s or animal’s genes contribute to desired traits, such as milk production in cows or growth rate in plants. It’s an estimate of how well their genetic makeup is likely to perform in specific areas, based on inherited characteristics. This helps breeders select individuals with the best genetic potential for improvement. In essence, genetic merit predicts future performance by analyzing the underlying DNA, allowing for more informed decisions in breeding and livestock management to achieve better productivity and quality over time.