Genetical Reduction of a Reproductive Unit in Relation to the Male–Female Ratio

Abstract

IN two previous papers^1,2, I have referred to artificial insemination from the genetical point of view and arrived at the conclusion that the genetical reduction it produces is its main disadvantage. Recently, Sir John Russell in a lecture on “World Population and World Food Supplies”³ gave hopes of a better future. Referring to artificial insemination he said : “We may yet live to see bulls, other than a small select aristocracy, become unwanted anachronisms”. My own opinion is that even in cattle democracy is a fundamental necessity, therefore I fully share Sir John's “lurking suspicion that Nature may resent being unceremoniously bundled out in this way”, as he states a few lines after his rather sweeping statement. Nature would resent the genetical reduction produced by the increase of females in the ratio of 1 male to n females.