UNDERSTANDING INBREEDING IN GOATS AND SHEEP — AND WHY IT’S HURTING YOUR FARM What is Inbreeding? Inbreeding happens when goats or sheep that are closely related — such as a father and daughter, mother and son, or siblings — are mated together. While it might seem like a shortcut to grow your flock without buying new animals, it silently weakens your entire herd over time. Why It Happens Many farmers practice inbreeding to save money or because they have limited breeding stock. Others do it unkno