(a) Define the term animal improvement. (b) Explain briefly the following terms as used in animal improvement: cross breeding; out-breeding. (d) Complete th...

(a) Definition of animal improvement

Animal improvement is the application of the principles of genetics and good management to bring about a change in the hereditary make-up of farm animals so as to raise their productivity and general performance, for example higher yields of meat, milk or eggs, faster growth and greater disease resistance.

(b) Explanation of terms

• Cross breeding: This is the mating of animals of two different breeds or varieties of the same species, for example crossing a White Fulani cow with a Friesian bull, in order to combine the desirable qualities of both parents and to obtain hybrid vigour in the offspring.
• Out-breeding: This is the mating of animals of the same breed that are not closely related (they have no common ancestor for at least four to six generations), and it is used to introduce new desirable genes and to reduce the harmful effects of inbreeding.

(d) Completed table