5.0 BREEDING Flashcards
What is crossbreeding in goat production, and why is it used?
Crossbreeding involves mating different breeds to combine characteristics from each and to exploit hybrid vigor, meaning the offspring performs better than the parents. It is used in meat and milk production but needs to be done carefully to avoid losing the existing genetic pool.
What is pure breeding, and what are its goals?
Pure breeding is a system where purebred females are mated with purebred males to maintain desired traits such as color, size, and specific meat and milk qualities of that breed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of random mating?
Advantages of random mating include simplicity, low cost, and the ability for goats to kid at any time, allowing for flexible sales. Disadvantages include a high risk of inbreeding and the spread of diseases.
How does assortive mating differ from random mating, and what are its benefits?
Assortive mating involves pairing the best females with the best buck, aiming for higher quality breeds and maintaining the genetic base. It offers more controlled breeding than random mating.
What challenges are associated with assortive mating?
Challenges include the unavailability of appropriate breeding stock, difficulty implementing in communal setups, and a lack of necessary technical skills and records.
What is the purpose of selection and culling in goat breeding?
Selection is used to choose animals with desirable traits as parents for the next generation, enhancing quality and productivity. Culling involves removing unproductive animals, such as old goats or those with poor reproductive performance, to improve overall flock health and efficiency.
What is the recommended mating ratio and period for a controlled mating system?
In a controlled mating system, a male goat should run with females for 36-42 days to ensure that females that miss the first heat have a second chance. A mature buck can service 40-50 females, while a younger buck can handle 25-30 females, depending on their body condition at mating.
