Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which term describes an animal that is of a particular breed?

1. Mixed breed

2. Crossbred

3. Purebred

4. Hybrid

The correct answer is: Purebred

The term that correctly describes an animal that is of a particular breed is "purebred." A purebred animal is one that has ancestry that comes from a specific breed without any mixing with other breeds. This means that its lineage is known and documented, ensuring that the animal retains the typical characteristics associated with that breed, such as appearance, behavior, and performance traits. Purebred animals are often sought after in livestock judging and breeding because they provide consistency in traits and are more predictable in offspring. This quality is especially important for breeders who are aiming to improve certain desirable characteristics within a breed. In contrast, mixed breeds may contain ancestry from multiple breeds, which can lead to a wide variety of traits and characteristics that are less predictable. Crossbreds, while sometimes beneficial for hybrid vigor, are a result of mating between two different purebred lines and do not adhere to the specific traits of a single breed. Hybrids typically refer to the offspring of two different species or varieties, which is different from the definition of purebred. Therefore, "purebred" is the term that accurately describes an animal belonging exclusively to a specific breed.