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Sires

A sire is the male parent of an animal. In breeding contexts, the term refers to the father of a particular offspring, while the female parent is called the dam. Sire and dam are the two halves of a pedigree, which records ancestry and helps determine inherited traits and eligibility for breed registries.

In horses and other livestock, the sire's genetics and performance history are central to breeding choices.

The term applies beyond horses to other animals, including cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats. In all species,

Etymology and usage: the word "sire" comes from Old French sire, from Latin pater, originally meaning father;

Offspring
are
described
as
by
the
sire
and
out
of
the
dam;
for
example,
"a
foal
by
Sire
X
out
of
Dam
Y."
Stud
farms
evaluate
a
stallion's
conformation,
fertility,
and
progeny
success.
Breeding
methods
may
include
natural
cover
or
artificial
insemination,
depending
on
breed
and
regulations.
the
sire
contributes
half
of
the
genetic
material,
and
breeders
use
sire
selection
to
influence
traits
such
as
size,
temperament,
health,
and
athletic
ability.
Pedigree
books
and
breed
registries
document
sire-dam
lineages
and
eligibility
for
registration
or
competition.
in
modern
English
it
is
a
technical
breed
term
rather
than
a
noble
title.
Ethical
breeding
emphasizes
genetic
diversity,
health
testing,
and
responsible
mating
to
reduce
inherited
diseases
and
improve
welfare.