Inbreeding is the most important genetic concern in hatchery management. Here inbreeding denotes unintentional inbreeding which occurs in all populations of finite size. The purpose of intentional inbreeding is to increase homozygosity and decrease heterozygosity. Individuals in completely inbred strains are homozygous and genetically identical. Inbred lines are genetically stable. Breeders use inbreeding primarily to generate lines for use in the production of hybrids.
Future production growth will most likely shift to intensification wherein output is a consequence of production efficiency per unit area rather than increases in area of production. Efficient use of capital, environmental pressure, and unit cost of administration will mandate earlier return on investment, higher utilization of existing facilities, and reduced exposure to crop failure from accidental loss or disease, and perhaps better food conversion efficiency as the primary rules of operation.
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