How Is Inbreeding Different From Hybridization?

With advancements in technology, inbreeding and hybridization have emerged as common selective breeding processes. Selective breeding is a deliberate process whereby one is bred for specific genetic traits found in animals and plants. The two processes however involve selection of certain traits and the crossing of animals and plants which carry these traits.

Inbreeding

• In this selection method, two biologically related parents either of the animal or plant are used. Breeders use this method usually as a step towards achieving hybridization. Breeders of animals such as horses, cows and dogs use this method in order to transfer and increase the occurrence of preferred gene traits from the parent to the offspring. For example, a farmer can breed cows with other closely-related cows to transfer a trait across generations. However, despite the ease of the method and the transfer of the preferred traits, some undesirable traits from the parent can also be transferred from the parent -- and the breeder has no control over this.

Hybridization

• In contrast to inbreeding where whole live animals are used for the gene transfer, hybridization process involves taking specific parts of the animal or plant and then transferring them to the other living organism. The hybrid which results can be a product of breeding of different species, breeds or different cultivars. During this process, the breeder is able to choose the trait he wants to transfer to the organism through the hybrid vigor process. Through hybridization, the breeder is able to choose the traits he requires; such as disease and pest resistance, tolerance to chemicals, seedless fruits among others. Hybridization is preferred to inbreeding, since the transfer of undesirable traits can be controlled.

Types of Inbreeding

• The level of inbreeding differs, according to difference in filial generations in use. The strongest level of inbreeding occurs between parent and offspring. The problem with this level is that levels of abnormality are high. To minimize the chances of transfer of weak traits, the breeder culls or separates the weaker animals from the others. The level of inbreeding dilutes or becomes less -- as the relationship between the parents widens.

Types of Hybridization

• In contrast to inbreeding, hybridization does not involve close relatives. It involves mating of completely different species or breeds. The inter-species hybridization involves mating of closely related but not the same species such as mating a donkey and a horse to give a mule. The breeder can also mate two completely different species such as a tiger and a lion in order to produce an animal that displays the traits of both a lion and a tiger.