Explain the importance of breeding systems in the animal industry.

Explanation could include the purpose and methods of controlled breeding of domestic animals to improve desirable traits, including but not limited to,

• factors affecting annual genetic improvement
• EPDs and EBVs
• cloning
• breeding system design (e.g., straightbreeding or crossbreeding [purebreeding, inbreeding, linebreeding, closebreeding, outcrossing, grading-up])
• bioengineering (e.g., transgenic salmon)
• improvement in health, adaptability, and production (e.g., disease resistance, climate adaptability, animal feed efficiency, desirable traits)
• reduction in environmental impacts.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the earliest archaeological evidence of selective breeding?
• What are the advantages of selective breeding? Disadvantages?
• What are the differences between selective breeding and natural selection?
• How did selective breeding influence domestication?
• How can selective breeding be used to reduce diseases and improve product quality?
• What are some characteristics that are highly desirable to pass on to offspring?
• How can cloning and genetic altering produce genetic superiority?
• What are some ethical concerns and implications of cloning?