Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Agribusiness Practice Test

What is gender selection in animal reproduction?

1. Choosing the breed of animal for farming

2. Managing the reproductive process to produce specific sexes

3. Selecting animals based on size

4. Determining the age at which animals breed

The correct answer is: Managing the reproductive process to produce specific sexes

Gender selection in animal reproduction refers to the management of the reproductive process to influence the sex of the offspring produced. This can involve techniques such as artificial insemination with sperm that is either male or female, or sorting sperm based on specific genetic markers before fertilization occurs. The goal is often to achieve a desired ratio of male to female offspring based on the needs of the breeding program or agricultural business. By focusing on sex selection, producers can optimize their stock, enhancing efficiency in breeding programs or aligning with market demands—such as producing more females for dairy production or more males for meat production. This practice is particularly relevant in agribusiness, where the economic implications of gender can have significant effects on productivity and profitability. Other options relate to different aspects of animal management but do not encapsulate the specific concept of gender selection within reproduction. For example, choosing the breed of animal focuses on genetic traits rather than sex, selecting animals based on size deals with physical attributes rather than offspring gender, and determining the age at which animals breed addresses timing rather than the sex of the offspring produced.