Question
Selective breeding of animals is very important to farmers.
Many different breeds of sheep have been produced by selective breeding.
Fig. 10.1 shows a flock of Merino sheep. This breed of sheep was produced by selective breeding.
(a) Sheep are important animals in many parts of the world as they produce meat, wool and milk.
Table 10.1 describes some characteristics of five different breeds of sheep.
A farmer wants to sell both meat and wool.
Suggest which breed of sheep in Table 10.1 is the most suitable for this farmer.
Give a reason for your choice.
breed of sheep …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
reason ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Another farmer wants to produce a new breed of sheep with both a very good milk yield and a very good quality of wool.
The farmer is able to buy any of the breeds of sheep shown in Table 10.1.
Describe the process this farmer would use to produce the new breed of sheep on her farm.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
(a) Merino ;
it has, good wool yield / good meat yield / very good wool quality ;
(b) use Awassi and Merino sheep ;
breed / cross / mate (together) ;
pick / select / choose, the offspring with required characteristics ;
allow these (chosen) offspring to breed ;
breed the (chosen) offspring with Awassi / Merino sheep ;
repeat for (many / several) generations ;