> However, we have Club breeders *now* who are NOT responsible in their > breeding practices ...... how can we, in all good conscience, allow more of > the same without first cleaning our own house ?
The immune system is entirely dependent on genetic diversity. What would you do if we were successful in cutting down on MVD, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, etc. only to find out we were also wiping out the immune system in our dogs at the same time? There are laboratory strains of mice who have been bred to be *perfect* and they are in all ways except one. They have lost almost all immune system function and have to be kept in a nearly sterile environment. By being bred to eliminate faults and lethal genes they have also lost genetic diversity. The same would happen to our dogs. You can't eliminate faults without decreasing genetic diversity. When you decrease genetic diversity you also decrease immune system function. Laura Lang ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
