Animal Breeders

About the Role

Animal breeders specialize in the mating and selection of animals to produce specific desired traits in offspring, contributing to the improvement of animal breeds.

Other Common Titles

Livestock Breeder
Dog Breeder
Horse Breeder
Geneticist in Animal Science
Animal Geneticist

Typical Tasks

Selecting animals for breeding based on health, temperament, and desired traits
Maintaining breeding records and pedigree documentation
Conducting genetic testing on animals to avoid hereditary diseases
Monitoring animal health and welfare throughout the breeding process
Consulting with veterinarians to ensure the health of breeding stock
Crossbreeding to achieve desired genetic traits
Providing care and training for newborn animals to ensure proper development
Marketing and selling animals to potential buyers

Notable People

Charles Darwin – Known for his theory of evolution, which has profound implications for breeding practices through the understanding of natural selection.
John W. W. Hurst – A prominent figure in the field of genetics, he contributed to the understanding of hereditary traits through animal breeding.

Recommended Resources

The Art of Breeding: A Practical Guide to Animal Breeding
A comprehensive guide that covers the science and practical approaches to effective animal breeding.
Dog Breeding for Dummies
An accessible introduction to dog breeding, covering standards, health considerations, and selling puppies.
The Guide to Horse Breeding
A blog dedicated to horse breeding, sharing tips, insights, and updates on best practices.
Animal Breeding Podcast
A podcast exploring various topics related to animal breeding, including interviews with experts in the field.
American Kennel Club
A key resource for dog breeders, providing information on standards, breeding practices, and events.