In rabbit breeding, mating first cousins is an example of what?

Mating first cousins in rabbit breeding is an example of line breeding. Line breeding focuses on retaining specific desirable traits within a bloodline while minimizing the risks associated with inbreeding by maintaining a slightly broader genetic pool. By mating first cousins, a breeder can concentrate on certain traits inherited from a common ancestor, which is the fundamental principle of line breeding. This allows for the enhancement of desirable characteristics while still keeping some genetic variation, making it a careful and strategic approach to breeding.

In contrast, inbreeding occurs when closely related animals are bred, which can lead to an increase in the likelihood of genetic defects and health issues due to a lack of genetic diversity. Outcrossing refers to breeding animals that are not closely related to introduce new genetic material, thereby reducing the risk of genetic problems. Hybrid breeding typically involves crossing two different breeds, which is again different from the selective breeding practices involved in line breeding. Thus, mating first cousins aligns best with the definition of line breeding.