Selective breeding is a time-honored practice that has been employed for centuries, leading to the creation of many distinct livestock breeds, each tailored to meet specific agricultural needs. This process is nothing new or unheard of; it’s a common agricultural practice that helps farmers optimize their herds for various purposes.

In animal breeding, achieving consistency in traits, performance, and genetic stability takes time—and generations. That’s why the 7th generation (F7) is a widely accepted standard in the livestock world for establishing a new breed. But what makes 7 generations so important?