What does "out breeding" refer to in rabbit breeding practices?

"Out breeding" refers specifically to the practice of mating unrelated rabbits within the same breed. This method is typically employed to introduce new genetic material into the breeding stock, which can enhance genetic diversity and reduce the likelihood of inherited health problems. By mating unrelated rabbits, breeders aim to improve traits such as growth rate, fertility, and overall vigor, leading to a healthier and more robust population of rabbits.

The other options involve different breeding strategies. Mating closely related rabbits relates to inbreeding, which can concentrate harmful recessive traits. Breeding for a specific trait focuses on selecting individuals based on desired characteristics rather than genetic diversity. Mating rabbits of different breeds can lead to hybrid offspring but doesn’t align with the goal of maintaining breed integrity, which is an important aspect of "out breeding."