Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What is the term for a selective breeding method where the sire and dam are related?

1. Linebreeding

2. Outcrossing

3. Crossbreeding

4. Purebreeding

The correct answer is: Linebreeding

Linebreeding is the term used to describe a selective breeding method that involves mating animals that are related, typically to reinforce desirable traits within a specific lineage. This method is strategically utilized to maintain and improve certain genetic qualities while minimizing the risks of genetic diversity loss that can occur when closely related animals are bred together. In linebreeding, breeders aim to sustain the superiority of a particular ancestor in a new generation, fostering traits that have historically been valuable in that lineage. This approach often focuses on controlling the genetic composition of the offspring, reinforcing desired attributes such as conformation, performance, and overall health. Other breeding methods mentioned, such as outcrossing, involves breeding unrelated animals to increase genetic diversity and vitality, while crossbreeding mixes two different breeds, which is contrary to maintaining lineage. Purebreeding typically means breeding within a specific breed with the goal of producing offspring that are genetically consistent, but does not specifically refer to utilizing related animals in the same way linebreeding does.