The correct option is A cross-breeding
Selective mating of animals to produce offspring with desired qualities is called animal breeding.
It is of two types: inbreeding and out-breeding.
Inbreeding involves the mating of more closely related individuals (having common ancestors) within the same breed for 4- 6 generations.
Out-breeding involves mating of unrelated animals.
It is of three types:
Out-crossing: It is the mating of animals within the same breed, but having no common ancestors on either side of their pedigree up to 4-6 generations. The offspring of such a cross is called an out-cross.
Cross-breeding: Cross-breeding is the process of crossing two different breeds (the breeds with superior traits) that belong to the same species so that a new breed can be obtained.
The offspring is called cross-breed. The desirable qualities of two different breeds selected as parents are usually seen in the progeny.
Example:
Bikaneri sheep of India are famous for their brilliant white fleece. Marino sheep of Australia are well known for their soft and bulky wool.
Hisardale is a cross-breed of sheep developed by crossing Bikaneri ewes (female sheep) and Marino rams (male sheep). This breed of sheep has brilliant white wool in large quantities. Hence, it has both the traits of the parents.
Interspecific hybridisation: In interspecific hybridisation, male and female animals of two different but related species are mated.
The offspring produced are usually sterile. Examples of related species are horse and donkey. Mule is an interspecific hybrid produced by crossing male donkey and a female horse.
Hence, option a is correct.