How to Improve Animals Through the Use of Selective Line Breeding

Line breeding has been used for centuries to improve domestic animals. Individual breeds are usually created with the selective use of line breeding, as doing so can "set" specific desirable characteristics. Line breeding must be done carefully, however, as undesirable traits can also become "set" in the bloodline. To avoid problems, most people try to not breed individuals that are too closely related or individuals which demonstrate characteristics which are not being bred for. If done carefully, line breeding can have very positive results and greatly improve the animals involved.

Things You'll Need

  • Related animals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the bloodlines you wish to use. Make yourself aware of any negative traits which might become set in your bloodlines, as well as which positive traits you wish to magnify.

    • 2

      Select the individual animals you wish to breed carefully. They should both be directly descendant from the ancestor whose traits you wish to set into your bloodline. They should also both be ideal examples of the traits you are breeding for. Do not select individuals that demonstrate a defect of any kind, as those defects may increase in severity in the next generation.

    • 3

      Breed the selected individuals. Examine the resulting offspring carefully for possible defects before continuing with your breeding program.

    • 4

      Remember to include occasional outcross breeding, or breeding to unrelated animals, to prevent your available gene pool from shrinking too much.