Just like dogs, there are purebreds and cross-breeds. And just like some dog owners choose different breeds for different reasons, farmers also choose different breeds of farm animals for different reasons.

Building up the best herd

Farmers have been breeding animals for years through selective breeding in attempts to build a herd of animals that are healthier and more productive. This involves selecting parents that have one or more desirable traits that farmers hope offspring will inherit.

Sharing genes across the world

Modern breeding for many species of farm animals including dairy cattle, poultry and pigs, is often accomplished through artificial insemination. This makes it possible for breeders throughout the world to introduce the best traits into their herds, even though males with those traits might live far away or even, in another country!

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Journey 2050 Lesson: 1
This resource is a great addition to Lesson 1 – Sustainable Food and Agriculture

SnapAg:
What are GMOs and are they okay to eat? What does organic farming look like? How are animals like chickens or cattle raised?

snapAG is a series of resources that invite students to explore the hot topics affecting the agriculture industry today. Topics range from organics, biotechnology, GMOs, livestock, and more.

Explore what’s trending in agriculture in Canada by browsing the topics here.

Sources available at: https://aitc-canada.ca/en-ca/learn-about-agriculture

snapAg is brought to you by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and partners.