Variation in male sexual behavior

Relaxation of natural selection on sexual performance traits in male ruminants has increased phenotypic variation in these heritable traits. Thus, males with sub-standard sexual performance continue to reproduce. This has created a “dud” phenomenon that is costly to animal agriculture. Identification and culling of these lesser performers at an early age and identification of high performing males are critical management goals that must be addressed, and for which greater research priority is needed.