Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

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What is a key feature of outbreeding in animal husbandry?

Mating within a breed
Mating unrelated individuals
Restricting genetic diversity
Increasing inbreeding coefficient

The correct answer is: Mating unrelated individuals

Mating unrelated individuals is a key feature of outbreeding in animal husbandry because it helps to enhance genetic diversity within a population. This practice reduces the likelihood of genetic disorders and can lead to offspring that are more vigorous and resilient. Outbreeding introduces new genetic material into a breeding population, which can lead to the expression of favorable traits that might be beneficial for health, productivity, and adaptability to environmental changes. This approach contrasts with inbreeding, where closely related individuals are mated, which can elevate the risk of inheriting deleterious alleles and reduce overall genetic diversity. By focusing on the mating of unrelated individuals, outbreeding fosters a broader genetic base that is essential for sustainable animal production practices.