Breed

Definition and Formation of Breed
– A breed is a specific group of domestic animals with homogeneous appearance and behavior.
– Breeds are formed through genetic isolation and selective breeding.
– There is no single, scientifically accepted definition of the term ‘breed.’
– Breeds are not objectively verifiable classifications but rather a consensus among breeders.
– Breeds can be logically grouped together based on consistent type and ability to produce the same type when mated within the group.
– Breeders establish a breed by selecting individual animals with desired qualities.
– These selected animals are referred to as foundation stock.
– Breeders mate the most desirable representatives of the breed to pass on their characteristics.
– The process of selecting and mating animals is known as selective breeding.
– Breeders create a written description of desirable and undesirable breed representatives called a breed standard.

Breed Characteristics
– Breed specific characteristics or traits are inherited and passed down through generations.
– Purebred animals carry genetic characteristics of the original foundation animals.
– Breeders select animals with the most desirable traits to maintain and develop those traits.
– Undesirable or atypical characteristics, including faults and genetic defects, are avoided.
– A sufficient population of animals is needed to maintain the breed without forced inbreeding.

Native Breeds
– Domestic animal breeds differ from country to country and nation to nation.
– Breeds originating in a certain country are known as native breeds of that country.
– Native breeds contribute to the biodiversity of livestock breeds.
– Preservation of native breeds is important for maintaining genetic resources for food and agriculture.
– The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources promotes the conservation of native breeds.

Further Reading
– The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (FAO publication)
– The Genetics of Populations (book by Jay Laurence Lush)
– A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals (book by Juliet Clutton-Brock)
– Hybrid Cultivar Development (book by Surinder S. Banga)
– Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources (FAO guidelines)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breed