BREEDING BACK Meaning and
Definition
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Breeding back is a term used in genetics and animal breeding to describe the intentional process of selectively breeding animals with traits resembling those of a particular ancestor. It typically involves breeding closely related individuals to recreate the desired characteristics that might have been lost over generations due to outcrossing or selective breeding for other traits.
The purpose of breeding back is to "reconstruct" or "reestablish" a breed or lineage to its ancestral state, usually to revive a breed with specific traits that have declined in frequency or been lost altogether. Breeding back can be employed to regain certain desirable features such as coat color, size, conformation, temperament, or working abilities that were present in early generations or original stock.
This breeding strategy often necessitates careful record-keeping and the use of available historical information to trace the traits to be reintroduced. Breeding back may involve crossing with related breeds or lineages that still possess the desired traits. Subsequent generations are then selectively bred, while only animals with the desired traits are used in the breeding program.
Breeding back can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring patience and expertise to achieve the desired results. It involves a meticulous understanding of genetics, genealogy, and phenotypic traits to ensure the preservation and restoration of the desired breed or lineage.
