Classifying Animals
Classifying by Breed
What is a breed? A group of animals that will produce young with the same characteristics as their parents All the same animal, but not the exact same traits Dogs, cats, pigs, cattle
How were breeds developed? Breeders (animal owners) selected the animals with the traits they desired and saved those to breed for more progeny. Selective breeding, one breed may be more productive than another. Breed for a selected trait Polled Milk production
Why a breed association? To maintain the standards set by the breed and to keep records of all animals in that breed. AKC, CKC, Angus Assoc, etc Purebred animals only are allowed to be in the breed association. A purebred animal is one whose ancestors are of only one breed.
Blood typing/grouping Blood typing is used because different breeds have different blood types. Can also determine the parentage of an animal.
Crossbreeding If done successfully, new breeds can be produced by crossing two or more beneficial characteristics Create new breeds Strengthen traits Remove traits
New breeds of animals are constantly being developed to fill a particular need or niche in the marketplace. It is important that we keep accurate records of breeds of animals to record their history.
Classifying by Use
Types of Use Meat animals Work animals Milk animals Companion animals Recreation animals (horses, hunting dogs) Lab animals Wool and hair animals
Dual Purpose Animals that are used for more than one purpose Cow Sheep Examples are milk, meat and work. Cow Sheep Goat Camel
Uses Meat Cow Chicken Hogs Camel Sheep Work Horse Mule Dog