What is breeding colony?

A breeding colony is a group of animals of the same species that are kept together with the purpose of producing offspring. The colony may be composed of male and female animals or may be all females that are artificially inseminated. The goal of a breeding colony is to produce a continuous supply of healthy and genetically diverse offspring for research, breeding, or conservation purposes. Breeding colonies are commonly maintained for laboratory animals, livestock, and endangered species conservation programs. The animals in a breeding colony are usually housed in specialized facilities that provide a suitable environment for breeding and caring for the offspring. Breeding colonies are subject to strict regulations to ensure the welfare of the animals and to prevent the spread of diseases.