This collection of review articles presents the first comprehensive treatment of the impact of modern molecular biology on an important and rapidly growing field in animal breeding: the analysis of the genome. The contributions, ranging from descriptions of basic knowledge to application-oriented reports, cover topics such as * the organization of animal genomes * the screening and cloning of genes * the analysis of gene functions * the molecular mechanisms of diseases * the patentability of genetic inventions Due to its broad scope, the book will stimulate progress in breeding technology and improve the interaction between researchers, practical breeders and government authorities within farm animal technology.