Inbreeding

Inbreeding is breeding between close relatives.

Related Topics:
Breeding - Relative

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If practised repeatedly, it typically leads to a reduction in genetic diversity. Inbreeding often leads to reduced health and fitness (called consanguinity depression); however, livestock breeders often practice inbreeding, then cull unfit offspring, especially when they are trying to establish a new and desirable trait in their stock.

Related Topics:
Genetic diversity - Livestock - Cull

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An inbred individual is likely to possess several physical and health defects, in addition to higher incidence of inheriting a poor trait. They include:

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• reduced fertility both in litter size and in sperm viability
• increased congenital defects
• fluctuating facial asymmetry
• lower birth rate
• higher neo-natal mortality
• slower growth rate
• smaller adult size, and
• loss of immune system function.
 
Inbreeding: Means to avoid inbreeding ►