Siring

Siring is the act of fathering offspring by a male, particularly in animal breeding. The male parent is called the sire; the female parent is the dam. Siring is central to pedigree and selection in livestock, horses, dogs, and poultry, and the term is also used in human contexts to describe fathering a child, though it is less common in everyday speech.

In breeding programs, the sire's genetic merit is assessed to predict the performance of his progeny. Sires may be chosen for traits such as growth rate, milk yield, temperament, conformation, fertility, and health. Siring can occur through natural mating or artificial insemination. AI is widely used in modern agriculture to optimize genetic gain, reduce disease transmission, and allow use of sires at distance or with limited availability.

Sire selection is supported by genetic evaluations, progeny testing, and growth data. Pedigree records list the sire as the father of each offspring, enabling traceability and strategic mating plans. Sire lines and line breeding focus on concentrating desirable traits through repeated use of the same sires, with attention to maintaining genetic diversity.

Welfare considerations include avoiding excessive inbreeding, monitoring litter sizes, and ensuring responsible breeding practices. Regulatory guidelines and breed or industry standards govern health testing, housing, and animal welfare.