What does the term 'strain' refer to in the context of rabbit breeding?

In the context of rabbit breeding, the term 'strain' specifically refers to a group of rabbits that share a common bloodline. This means that these rabbits have a lineage that can be traced back to a particular set of ancestors, allowing breeders to maintain and enhance specific traits or characteristics within that bloodline. Breeding within a strain is often done to achieve desirable qualities such as size, temperament, or coat quality, all stemming from the genetics of the rabbits within that strain.

Understanding this concept is essential for breeders who aim to improve their rabbits or produce specific types of offspring. While other terms, such as 'body structure' or 'coat color pattern,' refer to physical traits or characteristics of individual rabbits, they do not convey the notion of lineage and selective breeding that the term 'strain' does. Similarly, 'any race of unrelated rabbits' does not capture the essence of a strain, as it implies a lack of a common ancestry, which is fundamental to the definition of a strain in rabbit breeding.