What is a pedigree in animal science?

A pedigree in animal science refers to an animal's record of ancestry, showcasing a lineage that traces back several generations. By documenting the relationships between animals, a pedigree provides valuable insights into traits such as genetic predisposition, health status, and performance characteristics. This tool is essential for breeders because it helps them make informed decisions regarding breeding pairs to enhance desired traits in offspring, ensure genetic diversity, and minimize the risk of inherited genetic disorders.

While the other options describe different concepts within animal science—such as breeding systems, behavior assessment techniques, and genetic disorder tracking—they do not capture the specific function and significance of a pedigree, which is fundamentally about documenting and understanding the ancestry of animals.