In what way can record-keeping assist when making breeding decisions?

Record-keeping is essential in making informed breeding decisions, particularly in tracking lineage and performance over time. This practice allows breeders to maintain detailed information about the ancestry of their cavies, which is critical for understanding genetic traits, potential health issues, and performance characteristics relevant to breeding goals. A well-maintained pedigree helps breeders identify desirable traits and avoid inbreeding, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the offspring.

The ability to review historical performance can reveal patterns in traits such as size, temperament, and disease resistance. This insight aids breeders in selecting the most suitable mates to produce cavies that meet the desired standards for show quality and health. Consequently, having organized and comprehensive records empowers breeders to make strategic decisions that can lead to improved breeding outcomes over generations.