Question

(a) Explain how to overcome inbreeding depression in cattle.
(b) List three advantages of inbreeding in cattle.
(c) Name an improved breed of cattle.

Answer 1

(a) Inbreeding depression in cattle can be overcome by mating the selected animals of breeding population with unrelated superior animals of the same breed, to restore fertility and yield.

(b) Advantages of Inbreeding in Cattle:
(i) It helps in evolving a pure line in any animal.

(ii) It exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection.

(iii) Helps in the accumulation of superior genes.

(c) Improved variety of cattle is Hisardale – a new breed of sheep developed by crossing Bikaneri ewes and Marino rams.