LINE BREEDING
What is line breeding?
Line breeding is essentially another word for inbreeding, although line breeding is a less taboo term. It could be considered as inbreeding but with a pedigree.
A traditional example of line breeding would be mating father to daughter> father to granddaughter> father to great granddaughter.
However, other methods can include; half brother and sister or cousins. This is a more gradual way of line breeding and ultimately means that you will not have to outcross as often as less genes will be shared.
A traditional example of line breeding would be mating father to daughter> father to granddaughter> father to great granddaughter.
However, other methods can include; half brother and sister or cousins. This is a more gradual way of line breeding and ultimately means that you will not have to outcross as often as less genes will be shared.
Why line breed?
Most exhibitors will line breed to ‘set’ good type. When line breeding you get to know your stocks development and can easily identify desirable characteristics and in turn undesirable.
Line breeding is also a good technique to use when limited on space or stock.
Line breeding is also a good technique to use when limited on space or stock.
Importance of out crossing (bringing in new blood)
We would highly recommend out crossing every third generation. It is important to do this, as with every generation you are increasing the risk of doubling up on problematic genes such as malocclusion, split penis, non descended testicle(s). It can make the difference between a defective gene being carried or being displayed.
Remember any faults you do find are ones that are already being carried in your lines. It is better to discover any problems sooner rather than later as this way you can take steps to breed out the problematic genes.
Click either here or here for probably the most in depth readings on the subject we could find on the internet.
Below is an example of a line breeding chart.
Remember any faults you do find are ones that are already being carried in your lines. It is better to discover any problems sooner rather than later as this way you can take steps to breed out the problematic genes.
Click either here or here for probably the most in depth readings on the subject we could find on the internet.
Below is an example of a line breeding chart.
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The line-breeding chart to the left shows a common method of crossing a paternal (buck) and maternal (doe) line. Blue represents the paternal line and red represents the maternal line.
"A" (buck) and "B" (doe) are the two original rabbits the breeder is starting with. "A" and "B" are bred together, producing the litter "C" (doe) and "D" (buck). The litter has 1/2 of the paternal and 1/2 of the maternal lines and is the "F1" generation. "C" is bred back to her sire "A" which produces the doe "E". "E" has 3/4 of the paternal and 1/4 of the maternal line. "E" is an "F2" generation litter. "D" is bred back to his dam "B" which produces the buck "F". "F" has 3/4 of the maternal line and 1/4 of the paternal line. "F" is an "F2" generation litter. The doe "E" is bred back to the original sire "A" producing the buck "G" who is 7/8 of the paternal and 1/8 of the maternal line. "G" is an "F3" generation litter. The buck "F" is bred back to the original dam "B" producing the doe "H" who is 7/8 of the maternal and 1/8 of the paternal line. "G" is an "F3" generation litter. At this point in the breeding program, the 7/8 "F3" generations can be crossed to each. The buck "G" will be bred to the doe "H" producing the "F4" generation litter "I" which contains 1/2 of the paternal and 1/2 of the maternal line. "J" is a new buck that will now be introduced by breeding to the doe "I" producing litter "K" which has 1/2 of the new paternal line, 1/4 of the original paternal line and 1/4 of the original maternal line. Litter "K" can now be bred to "G" and "H" beginning the process over again now using "G" and "H" to breed subsequent offspring back to. If a trio was used to start the original herd, two separate lines can be started with each original doe, and the two lines crossed when reaching the "F3" generation. Reproduced with permission from Pamela Nock |