Question

Mention the strategy used to increase homozygosity in cattle for desired traits. [3]

Answer 1

Inbreeding is used to increase homozygosity in cattle for desired traits. [1]

Inbreeding refers to the mating of more closely related individuals within the same breed for 4- 6 generations. The mating is carried out between a superior female cattle that produces more milk per lactation with a superior male which gives rise to superior progeny. The progeny obtained from such matings are evaluated and superior males and females among them are identified for further mating to increase homozygosity. [2]