In the Bible, animals play a significant role in the narrative of creation, human livelihood, and divine symbolism. The breeding of animals is mentioned in various contexts, reflecting both the natural order established by God and the practical aspects of human stewardship over creation.

Creation and Divine Order

The account of creation in Genesis establishes the divine order for animal life. Genesis 1:24-25 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." This passage underscores the concept of animals reproducing "according to their kinds," indicating a divinely instituted order in the breeding and propagation of animal species.

Animal Husbandry and Human Stewardship

The Bible frequently references animal husbandry, highlighting the importance of breeding in agricultural and pastoral societies. In Genesis 30, the account of Jacob and Laban illustrates early practices of selective breeding. Jacob, tending Laban's flocks, employs a strategy to increase his own share of the livestock. Genesis 30:37-39 describes how Jacob used peeled branches to influence the breeding of the flocks: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. And he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks bred in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."

This account, while reflecting ancient beliefs about breeding, also emphasizes human ingenuity and the role of divine providence in the success of Jacob's efforts. It illustrates the biblical view that humans are stewards of God's creation, responsible for managing and caring for animal life.

Symbolism and Sacrificial Practices

Animals and their breeding also hold symbolic significance in biblical texts, particularly in the context of sacrificial practices. The requirement for unblemished animals in sacrifices, as outlined in Leviticus, underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings to God. Leviticus 22:21 states, "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it."

The emphasis on unblemished animals for sacrifice reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for offerings to be pure and perfect. This requirement would have influenced breeding practices, as those responsible for sacrificial animals would need to ensure the birth and maintenance of unblemished livestock.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible also touches on the theme of animal breeding, often using it as a metaphor for human behavior and divine wisdom. Proverbs 27:23-27 advises, "Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you, your family, and your maidservants."

This passage highlights the importance of diligence and foresight in managing animal resources, drawing a parallel between responsible stewardship and the blessings of provision and prosperity.

In summary, the Bible presents a multifaceted view of animal breeding, encompassing divine order, human responsibility, symbolic significance, and practical wisdom. These elements reflect the broader biblical themes of creation, stewardship, and the pursuit of holiness.Genesis 30:35-43
And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 31:8,9
If he said thus, The speckled shall be your wages; then all the cattle bore speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be your hire; then bore all the cattle ringstraked.
Nave's Topical Index

The Struggle for Life
... are first responsible for bringing the facts before the ... the Struggle for Life that
those animals which struggle ... the swamping effect of inter-breeding with the ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

The Early Training of a Race.
... These later facts plainly point back to a strong ... The young of the animals slain in
the hunt are kept ... and population increases, the advantage of breeding for use ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xi the early training.htm

The Origin of Species.
... sterility to prevent them crossing and breeding in Nature ... created, we cannot understand
the facts x, or y ... we cannot understand the structure of animals or plants ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

Criticisms on "The Origin of Species. "
... Koelliker adduces the well-known facts of Agamogenesis, or ... that the various forms
of animals have proceeded ... and sometimes passes the limits of good breeding. ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xiii criticisms on the origin.htm

Classification.
... while the natural man has the breeding and evolution of ... is practised both by plants
and animals, the object ... the scientific side on certain facts of embryology ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/classification.htm

Of the Necessity of the Wager
... goes mainly to establish these two facts: the corruption ... in every respect from that
good breeding which they ... had never seen any species of animals, could they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section iii of the necessity.htm

On the Firmament.
... the vegetation of trees, the ripening of fruits, the breeding of land and water
animals, and their ... but has been content to go for his facts to Aristotle ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iii on the firmament.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... The forms of men and animals and the lines of ... but the generations which arose from
this continual cross-breeding, while representing ... The facts justifying this ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... each other in the possession of numerous breeding stables. ... with reins with which
to guide their animals, and their ... country was summed up in the facts, that it ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... help, since these beasts were believed to be no mere ordinary animals, but were ... to
cracks and settlements." I think that the explanation of the facts which I ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

What does it mean that God gave humanity dominion over the animals? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that a righteous person cares for the needs of animals (Proverbs 12:10)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about Christians hunting animals for sport? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus