Abstract
Genetic selection has increased production levels of livestock species considerably. However, apart from a favourable increase in production, animals in a population that have been selected for high production efficiency seem to be more at risk for behavioural, physiological and immunological problems. Examples are presented of over 100 references on undesirable (cor)related effects of selection for high production efficiency, with respect to metabolic, reproduction and health traits, in broilers, pigs and dairy cattle. A biological explanation for the occurrence of negative side effects of selection is presented. Genetic selection may lead to loss of the homeostatic balance of animals, resulting in the occurrence of pathologies and consequently in impaired animal welfare. Future application of modern reproduction and DNA-techniques in animal breeding may increase production levels even faster than at present, which may result in more dramatic consequences for behavioural, physiological and immunological traits. Selection for more than production traits alone may prevent such. Without knowledge about the underlying physiological processes on which genetic selection acts, selection is essentially a black box technique. Knowledge of biological backgrounds will offer the opportunity to understand, anticipate and prevent undesirable side effects of selection.
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