Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Linebreeding • Weaning • Gestation Management

Pedigree Analysis

Term from Animal Husbandry industry explained for recruiters

Pedigree Analysis is a method used in animal breeding to study and track family histories of animals. Think of it like a family tree investigation, but for animals. Breeders and livestock professionals use this to make smart breeding decisions by looking at the qualities of an animal's parents, grandparents, and other relatives. It helps predict what traits offspring might inherit and helps improve desirable characteristics in future generations, such as milk production in dairy cows or wool quality in sheep. This is sometimes also called "ancestry evaluation" or "lineage assessment."

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Pedigree Analysis for 200+ dairy cattle to improve milk production traits

Used Pedigree Analysis and Genetic Evaluation to select optimal breeding pairs

Managed breeding programs using Lineage Assessment and Pedigree Analysis techniques

Improved herd quality through systematic Ancestry Evaluation and Pedigree Analysis

Typical job title: "Animal Breeders"

Also try searching for:

Livestock Breeding Specialist Animal Genetics Specialist Breeding Program Manager Animal Breeding Consultant Herd Improvement Specialist Animal Breeding Technician

Where to Find Animal Breeders

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a large-scale breeding program using pedigree analysis?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating comprehensive breeding plans, managing multiple breeding lines, using data analysis tools, and explaining how they would track and measure improvement over generations while avoiding inbreeding problems.

Q: How do you handle challenges in pedigree record accuracy?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for verifying pedigree data, cross-checking records, implementing quality control measures, and using DNA testing when necessary to confirm ancestry.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when selecting breeding pairs?

Expected Answer: Should mention evaluating genetic traits, health history, production records, and inbreeding coefficients, while explaining how these factors influence breeding decisions.

Q: How do you use pedigree analysis software in your work?

Expected Answer: Should describe experience with breeding record systems, explaining how they use software to track lineages, calculate breeding values, and make informed breeding decisions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain what a pedigree chart is and how to read one?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic structure of a pedigree chart, explain what different symbols mean, and how to trace an animal's ancestry through the chart.

Q: What basic information do you need to collect for pedigree analysis?

Expected Answer: Should list essential information like animal IDs, birth dates, parents' information, breed characteristics, and performance records.