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In case you haven't heard, we have almost no interest in
pedigrees and
bloodlines as a means of determining genetic quality. When folks
talk
about bloodlines, they're usually using them a method of adding
value to
their livestock based on the attributes of their
great-great-grandparents. Unfortunately, genetics don't work that
way. After a couple generations, a bloodline begins to have very
little in common with its ancestors (without some method of genetic
culling).
So, you may be wondering why people who don't like registration
papers
are talking about breeding lines. That's because we're using them
for a
different purpose than most people use bloodlines.
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Although each parent's genetics are somewhat randomized when a sperm
and
egg combine, a brother and sister still have many similar attributes
due
to their shared parentage. This means that if two goats that are
closely
related are bred (inbreeding), their kids have a much higher
probability
of containing traits that would otherwise have remained hidden. In
some
rare instances, this can result in genetic "super heroes" - but not
usually.
Inbreeding often creates genetic defects such as missing limbs,
organ
failure, and infertility. We don't want any part of that! So, that's
why
we have four genetically distinct breeding lines to diversify our
stock
while still maintaining the genetic quality: the Main Post Oak
Line, the Post Oak Juan Line, the Post Oak
Carlos Line, and the Post
Oak Paco Line. |
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By constantly randomizing the bucks from each line, we refresh the
available genetics without endangering the quality of the herd. In
this
way, we can maintain a healthy cycle of breeding while continuing to
pursue our goal of producing maintenance-free livestock. |
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