72 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



with goat raisers shows that the term with them means generally the 

 breeding of individuals of close relationship. 



It is safe to say that there is an overwhelming sentiment against the 

 practice. This will be apparent after one has read the replies which 

 are published herewith to the question, "What is your opinion of 

 in-and-in breeding?" It is quite generally agreed, however, that this 

 practice will give a fleece of finest fiber, having a beautiful luster and 

 little oil, but the weight will not be so great. Those who favor the 

 practice contend that the quality more than offsets the quantity. The 

 animals resulting from this practice are not so large and strong as 

 those which are not related. The fact must not be overlooked, how- 

 ever, that Mr. John S. Harris, of Oakley, Idaho, has followed in-and-in 

 breeding continuously and with evident success, and, too, they are kept 

 in a climate where the temperature in winter is sometimes far below 

 zero. But Mr. Harris is a gentleman who understands the art of 

 breeding; if all goat raisers knew so well the principles of breeding as 

 he does there might not be so many to condemn the practice. How- 

 ever, they have learned much by experience, and it can not be con- 

 tended that they are wrong in advising generally against the practice. 

 Col. Richard Peters, the most successful breeder of his day, said that 

 half-blood does can with best results be bred to their own sires, provided 

 the sires have proved themselves to be good breeders. 



If inbreeding of closely related animals is meant, it should not be resorted to with 

 live stock of any kind except Avhen individuals which show very desirable points are 

 at the same time of very strong constitution and of good size. But, then, I would 

 never hesitate to breed even parents to children. Strict observance of this rule I con- 

 sider doubly necessary with Angoras, which are naturally tender and delicate, and 

 it should be risked only when chances are very strong that the gain of fleece or shape 

 will fully compensate for the inevitable loss of size and constitution. I believe that 

 in a very few years that the value of the annual product of meat (from her offspring) 

 of a doe will surpass that of her mohair. Besides, the more constitution is gained, 

 the more apt arc we to return to the original prolificness of the goat tribe, which has 

 been entirely lost with Angoras in consequence of inbreeding. With the third free 

 generation usually, but always with the fourth, bad effects of mating relations would 

 not be felt any more. — O. A. Hoerle, Ridgewood, N. J. 



The opinion of our leading authorities, such as Professor Sanford and others, is that 

 in-and-in breeding is the most successful way, and many cases are cited where this 

 has been carried on for over thirty years. We have some breeders here who have 

 been inbreeding for the past eight years, and the result, when the greatest of care is 

 exercised, is that we have produced some very fine stock, as fine, I believe, as any 

 that has been raised in this country. This in-and-in breeding is a very particular 

 piece of work and should not be attempted by anyone unless he intends to give it 

 his undivided attention. I believe it is the most successful way to breed for a fine 

 fiber. The greatest trouble seems to be in the size of the animal, but if careful atten- 

 tion is paid to the work there is no excuse for losing size. We have demonstrated 

 beyond all doubt that in-and-in breeding produces a finer wool, a longer wool, and a 

 better wool; so if one desires to breed for fine wool he will have to follow in-and-in 

 breeding. — E. IT. Jobson, Lake Valley, N. Mex. 



