What is intensive breeding?Intensive breeding is a breeding system that aims to obtain a specific genetic trait desired by a species. Intensive breeding is carried out to obtain various genetic variations (color variation - Figure 1) within a given population, which will ultimately lead to a higher economic incentive than that of a species with original color variation. Intensive farming has its advantages and disadvantages. Selection for a rare trait is desired for economic benefit, as many game breeders do not realize the drastic negative genetic impacts. Hunting has always been a pastime where many enthusiasts participate in hunting wildlife that lives in their natural environment. . They find pleasure in chasing the animal and finally bringing back the trophy (the hunted animal). These enthusiasts would not derive the same pleasure from tracking and hunting animals held in captivity. People looked for specific traits that made the individual animal more valued than the rest of the individuals within the population. Some even hunted just for pleasure and without a specific reason. However, this practice has had long-term effects on the genetic composition of wild species. Does intensive game farming on farms contribute to the protection and conservation of species? Nowadays, many animals are seriously threatened and could become extinct at a very fast rate. Some mentionable species in South Africa are the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), the rhinoceros, the roan (Hippotragus equinus) and the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) and the wild dog (Lycaon pictus). The cheetah is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Listing status (Durant, et al 2008). ...... middle of paper ...... from the Mauritius kestrel. Molecular Ecology 10: 593 – 602.RALLS, K. ​​AND BALLOU, J. 1983. Extinction: lessons from zoos. 164 – 184 pages. in SCHONEWALD-COX .CM, CHAMBERS, M., MACBRYDE, B. AND THOMAS, W.L. Genetics and conservation: a reference for the management of wild animal and plant populations. Benjamin Cummings, Menlo Park, Calif. SCHWARTZ, MK, PILGRIM, KL, MCKELVEY, KS, LINDQUIST, EL, CLAAR, JJ, LOCH, S., AND RUGGIERO, LF 2004. Hybridization between Canada lynx and bobcat: genetic results and management implications. Conservation Genetics 5: 349 – 355.VON BRANDIS, RG, AND REILLY, BK 2007. A temporal analysis of trophy quality in South Africa: has trophy quality changed over time? South African Journal of Wildlife Research 37: 153- 158.WELLE, D. 1990. “Rare” silver labradors. [Online] Available: www.blueknigtlabs.com [April 12 2014].