Inbreeding can also worsen or bring to light genetic problems which otherwise would not show at all. When developing a new breed, it may be necessary to inbreed several generations, just to select towards uniformity which can be used as a more controlled basis for the breed. Inbreeding can be between rabbits of the same generation, but if you are familiar with the history of the rabbits in question, you may mix generations. In each iteration, the goal is to select rabbits that are closest to a desired trait, such as longer ears or a color hair. Ideally the breeder would be able to select only a specific trait and randomize the others, but obviously this is not possible. One of the results of inbreeding is to breed two rabbits with the same trait, so that after a couple generations most or all the recessive alternates to the gene are removed.

The opposite of inbreeding is outbreeding- breeding rabbits with an unrelated line. This can make the line more stable and remove bad genes, but it will also potentially introduce new, undesired traits. This can make the rabbits larger, sturdier, and healthier. Outcrossing is a specific type of outbreeding, which is breeding with another specific line. This potentially allows bringing in other desirable traits, but in a more controlled manner than if bred with a rabbit without a pedigree. This is usually not necessary, but may be if the breeder takes a line too far. For example, it is possible to make the rabbits and their heads too small through excessive inbreeding.

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Line Breeding is the process of breeding “like with like”. That means that the rabbits the line breeder uses all come from the same family line, and have similar all around genetic makeups.

Line Breeding allows the rabbit breeder, professional or hobbyist, to produce a quality line of animals in a relatively short amount of time.

The Dangers of a Line Breeding Program

The biggest problem with line breeding is that it will intensify all of the genes, good or bad. Starting a line breeding program with quality rabbit stock is essential.

Purchasing rabbits from online breeders is becoming more common these days, but before an aspiring rabbit farmer does so, he or she must remember, without seeing the animal in person, and being given the chance to examine them, they cannot be sure that they are going to get what they pay for.

A smart consumer will ask other rabbit breeders for recommendations for a reputable site that they have used successfully.

Take the Time to Educate Yourself

In the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association Handbook, a must read for any aspiring rabbit breeder, there is a standardized chart which clearly lays down the best way to breed a line of related rabbits, and it spans six generations.

The diagram begins with the initially selected buck and doe and moves through all the possible relative to relative breeding combinations.
Genetic weaknesses do occur in line bred rabbits, and it is not out of the question for a breeder to introduce an unrelated animal or two to an established line to attempt to correct specific defects.

Learning the very basics at least about rabbit genetics as they might apply to the selected breed can be very helpful to beginner.

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2. Rabbit Breeding – Which Rabbits To Choose For Best Result Choosing the Right Rabbits for First Time Breeding Choosing the...
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