Outbreeding is an important strategy of animal husbandry because it

Options

A. Exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection
B. Helps in accumulation of superior genes
C. Is useful in producing purelines of animals
D. Is useful in overcoming inbreeding depression

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Outbreeding**: Outbreeding refers to the mating of two unrelated individuals of the same breed. These individuals do not share a common ancestor for at least 3 to 4 generations.

2. **Importance of Heterozygosity**: Outbreeding increases heterozygosity in the offspring. Heterozygosity is the presence of different alleles at a gene locus, which is beneficial because it often leads to greater genetic diversity and can enhance the overall vigor and adaptability of the population.

3. **Comparison with Inbreeding**: Inbreeding, on the other hand, involves mating between closely related individuals. This practice tends to increase homozygosity, which can lead to the expression of harmful recessive traits and a decrease in genetic diversity.

4. **Benefits of Outbreeding**:
- **Accumulation of Superior Genes**: Outbreeding can help in the accumulation of superior genes, particularly dominant alleles, which contribute to desirable traits in livestock.
- **Overcoming Inbreeding Depression**: Outbreeding is also useful in overcoming inbreeding depression, which is a reduction in biological fitness due to inbreeding. By introducing unrelated genetic material, outbreeding can restore vigor and health to a population.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, outbreeding is an important strategy in animal husbandry because it helps in the accumulation of superior genes and is effective in overcoming inbreeding depression.

### Final Answer:
Outbreeding is an important strategy of animal husbandry because it helps in the accumulation of superior genes and is useful in overcoming inbreeding depression.

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