breeding ?? inbreed ??

[mooingtricycle]

Breeding animals with the same genetic material over several generations ( or even one, in some cases!) can sometimes lead to the visible forms of genetic deformities ( Visible, and Not quite so visible*internal stuff that you wouldnt even dream of*) if done incorrectly, or without careful thought in the process ( or even WITH careful thought/correctly).

Inbreeding animals should be done with selective care and careful monitoring, as animals can be prone to weaker immune systems( or stronger...depending on the mutations brought forth by the breeding) , shorter lifespans ( or longer, depending on the mutations brought forth by the breeding) and so on and so forth.

Inbreeding can work both ways. But GENERALLY, in very wide stroking basic terms, it is not usually not considered "good", as you are limiting the genepool in that specific generation of animals. ( Many responsible people who inbreed for a specific trait, also then outcross those lines to other unrelated animals to then strengthen the bloodlines) It may be the faster route to a color mutation, but at the same time, could mean the appearance of a less than desirable mutation along with that color mutation, such as highly visible things like Kinking, Wobbling, Spinning, Loss of Motor Control, Mal-formed scales ( Or none at all!), No Eyes and so forth. These are just examples, are are not always caused by inbreeding for a specific trait, and sometimes, these deformities are linked with the mutation being bred for itself.

It should be done with considerable care, and lots of time devoted to keeping bloodlines strong. ( Its too bad too many people are completely unwilling to follow this fairly common knowledge of the subject, just to make a buck, and due to lack of space to keep such a project at hand, I find it unfortunate really.) and while many people do practice this method of breeding responsibly, others still do not and i cant help but wonder at what will become of the animals in captivity many many years from now?