INBRREEDING
There is some misunderstanding about inbreeding Most diploid organism have so called bad or even lethal genes As long as these are complemented by a good gene ( are in a heterozygous condition) there is nothing wrong ( usually ). Even humans have each at least seven lethal genes. When we start inbreeding ( sister x brother crosses) these bad genes will become homozygous that is to say be present twice and bad offspring will result However usually some offspring survives. If these again are inbred again some bad genes are lost. If you can do this for about six generations you have a strain clean of lethal gens and there will be no problem with further inbreeding . Two examples: I know of someone one made brother x sister matings for 10 years in drosophila with a generation of 14 days.These were still very healthy. All white mice used in laboratories are the result of inbreeding.
Ben J.M.Zonneveld
Nationaal Herbarium Nederland
POBox 9514
2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
telf 071 5274738
E-mail: 
Wow. That is fascinating. Thanks.
(weather in Newport, OR. Mild and cool.)
INBRREEDING
There is some misunderstanding about inbreeding Most diploid organism have so called bad or even lethal genes As long as these are complemented by a good gene ( are in a heterozygous condition) there is nothing wrong ( usually ). Even humans have each at least seven lethal genes. When we start inbreeding ( sister x brother crosses) these bad genes will become homozygous that is to say be present twice and bad offspring will result However usually some offspring survives. If these again are inbred again some bad genes are lost. If you can do this for about six generations you have a strain clean of lethal gens and there will be no problem with further inbreeding . Two examples: I know of someone one made brother x sister matings for 10 years in drosophila with a generation of 14 days.These were still very healthy. All white mice used in laboratories are the result of inbreeding.
Ben J.M.Zonneveld
Nationaal Herbarium Nederland
POBox 9514
2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
telf 071 5274738
E-mail:
Deb Holland Newport, Oregon