What is the name of the process where livestock are bred to enhance desired traits?

The process of breeding livestock to enhance desired traits is known as selective breeding. This method involves choosing parent animals that possess specific characteristics, such as higher growth rates, better feed efficiency, improved disease resistance, or enhanced reproductive performance. Selective breeding relies on the natural genetic variation present within the species to pass on these desired traits to the offspring.

In essence, it allows farmers and breeders to influence the genetic makeup of their livestock in a way that enhances productivity and overall quality. Over time, this practice can lead to significant improvements in a herd or flock, as favorable traits become more prevalent through successive generations.

Other terms like genetic modification, crossbreeding, and hybridization involve different processes and techniques. Genetic modification refers to altering the genetic material of organisms through biotechnology, while crossbreeding entails mating animals from different breeds to create hybrids that may possess a combination of traits from both parent breeds. Hybridization usually involves mixing different species to produce offspring that may have advantageous traits but is not synonymous with selective breeding, which focuses on a more controlled approach to improve specific characteristics within a single breed.