Beware of excessive inbreeding during livestock production: Mating of closely related animals on communal farms not only has monetary consequences, but also has an impact on the genetic make-up of livestock, animal performance, and fertility.

The article warns that unchecked inbreeding in communal livestock systems is undermining animal health, productivity and long-term genetic quality. Topics include visible and hidden defects linked to close mating, the benefits and risks of line breeding and outcrossing, and practical measures such as record-keeping, sire rotation and sourcing quality genetics to protect herds.