Lactation records of the Glynllifon herd from 1950 to 2000 were used to create a data set for use within teaching contexts. The data set was analysed in terms of physical, production and functional traits and genetic parameters. The data set results compared well with that of the UK dairy industry. Lectures on Selection and Breeding using the data set were then prepared and evaluated within Higher and Further Education institutes. The data set analysis revealed an all year round season of calving. Breed structure over time was typical to that within the UK during the twentieth century. Herd size increased over time through initially purchasing animals and then breeding replacements to become a closed herd. Average age at first calving was 30.6 months. Milk yield (MY) per cow increased from 3,097kg in 1950 to 6,941kg in 2000. Milk fat (MF) increased from an average of 3 .68% in the 1950s to an average of 4.16% in the 1990s; and protein composition(%) increased slightly from 3.23% in the 1970s to 3.27% in the 1990s. Production traits and parity were analysed, and peak production was achieved between the 5th and 6th lactation; fat and protein composition decreased with increasing parity. The number of lactations per cow remained at three lactations throughout the data set. Days of productive life (DPL) and lifespan decreased by 8 days/year and 12 days/year respectively. Somatic cell count (SCC) increased over time and with parity. In 1995 the average SCC for the data set was 68,000cells/ml and 203,000cells/ml in 2000 and increased by 89,250cells/ml for each increase in parity. Calving interval (CI) showed no significant change over time with an average of374days. Lactation length (LL) showed an increase of one day per year and an overall average of 289days. Day dry (DD) reduced in length over time (0.6 days per year) from 84 days in 1950s to 56 in the 1990s. Univariate analysis was undertaken for production traits using mixed model methodology. The heritability for milk yield was 0.23, milk fat yield 0.28 and milk protein yield 0.28. Repeatability values were within the range of 0.47 to 0.49. Estimated breeding values (EB Vs) for production traits showed no significant change over the years examined. However, three time phases were identified for the data set with respect to milk yield and fat yield, but not protein yield. From the start of the data set in 1950 to 1972 there was a significant increase in milk EBVs of 12.4 per year, then from 1973 to 1985 there was a significant decrease of 28.2 per year, and from 1986 to the end of the data set in 2000 an increase of 21.2 per year. Similar trends were found for breeding values on the NMR lactation records. The ICC between 1975 and 1983 decreased at a rate of9.64 per year and PTA for milk showed an increase of 40.43 per year between 1986 and the end of the data set. The analysed data set was then incorporated into lectures on Selection and Breeding for 128 students within FE and HE institutes over two academic years. The questionnaire and lectures were initially piloted. The programme levels included NVQ, NCA and ND as level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications respectively for the FE institute and the HE groups included HND/C, BSc and MSc. Effective teaching, learning and student satisfaction was achieved. The overall response for all questions by all groups for the Strongly Agree/ Agree (SA/ A) was between 86% and 95%. The Disagree (D) responses ranged from 0% to 3% and the Undecided/Blank/ Not Applicable (UD/B/NA) ranged between 5% and 14%. Students found the lectures of interest (Q5) with 92% response to the SA/A question. Explaining (Q4) and understanding (Ql) achieved 91% and 90% response for SA/A. Positive response was achieved for aspects of teaching, including was it ' organised' (Q3) with a 95% response for SA/A. Most students enjoyed (Q9) the lectures (SA/A@ 86%). Handouts attained (Ql0) 86% response to the SA/A, Bilingual (Ql 1) had 87% SA/A with the remaining response being UD/B/NA. . A variety of teaching methods and resources were used including gapped handouts, power point presentations, group discussions, farm exercises, IT and college dairy herd. These were found to be effective and enriched the educational experience for all the programme groups. Ensuring understanding and providing a bilingual provision where required all contribute to a positive learning experience. The analysis has heightened the considerable importance of relating education to its respective industry by adopting a valid, active innovative approach for all programmes levels within FE and HE.