long breeding cycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long breeding cycle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, agriculture, or animal husbandry when discussing the duration of the reproductive process for a species. Example: "The elephant is known for its long breeding cycle, which can last up to 22 months before giving birth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Low rates of flowering and the long breeding cycle further render conventional breeding of cassava arduous [ 7].

BMC Plant Biology

"But finally, we hope to answer the question, where do these birds go?" Because of a long breeding cycle, ospreys are among the first birds to migrate north for the season.

The New York Times

Based on sexual hybridization, traditional variety breeding depends on genetic recombination and phenotypic selection but has the disadvantages of low selection efficiency of complex traits, vulnerability to environmental influence and a long breeding cycle.

Rice

Because of the long breeding cycle (4 5 years), a hybrid breeding strategy is not feasible.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Computer simulation is useful for this, in particular for species with long breeding cycles and extensive field trials [ 13].

BMC Genomics

Woody perennial plants, including trees that produce fruits and nuts of horticultural value, typically have long breeding cycles, and development and introduction of improved cultivars by plant breeders may require many breeding cycles and dozens of years.

Horticulture Research

Most of conventional tree breeding programs face major challenges; including, long breeding cycles, large field experiments planted over vast territory, late expression of economic traits (e.g., wood density), and low to medium heritability of traits [ 1].

BMC Genomics

Although pyramiding could be efficient in the case of traits with simple genetic determinism, genomic selection is becoming an attractive approach for traits with genetic architecture following an infinitesimal model, especially in species with long breeding cycles and biological constraints.

BMC Genomics

However, the long breeding cycles, high heterozygosities, lack of various degrees of preciseness in hybridization, and low frequencies of desirable mutations have made new varietal development highly resource-demanding.

Horticulture Research

Some of the most problematic barriers to genetic improvement of trees, such as their large size and long breeding cycles, can be circumvented by the application of these techniques.

BMC Biotechnology

In oil palm, marker-assisted selection was proposed quite early to optimize the long breeding cycles, i.e. up to 20 years, but so far relatively few genetic studies have been published.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing selective breeding programs, use "long breeding cycle" to highlight the time investment needed for each generation, and how it impacts the speed of genetic improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "long breeding cycle" when you specifically mean gestation period. The breeding cycle encompasses courtship, mating, gestation (if applicable), and raising offspring, while gestation is only the time of carrying the embryo or fetus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long breeding cycle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "long" modifies the noun phrase "breeding cycle". It describes the duration of the reproductive process. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long breeding cycle" is grammatically correct and used to describe the extended duration of the reproductive process in various species or breeding programs. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as a noun phrase, predominantly used in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, consider the audience and purpose, and choose more specific alternatives if the context requires it. This ensures clarity and precision in scientific and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended reproductive period

Focuses on the duration of reproduction, using a broader term than breeding.

prolonged reproductive cycle

Similar to "extended reproductive period" but emphasizes the cyclical nature.

lengthy gestation period

Specifically refers to the period of pregnancy, narrower in scope.

protracted breeding season

Highlights the duration of the breeding season, rather than the entire cycle.

slow reproductive rate

Focuses on the frequency of reproduction instead of the length of each cycle.

long generation time

Describes the time it takes for a generation to reach reproductive age, different focus.

delayed maturity

Refers to the time it takes to reach sexual maturity, impacting the overall breeding timeline.

extensive rearing period

Emphasizes the time spent raising offspring, a component of the overall reproductive strategy.

slow population turnover

Describes the rate at which a population replaces itself, influenced by breeding cycle length.

infrequent reproduction

Highlights how often reproduction occurs rather than the length of the cycle itself.

FAQs

How does a "long breeding cycle" affect conservation efforts?

Species with "long breeding cycles" often have slower population recovery rates, making them more vulnerable to threats like habitat loss or poaching. This requires longer-term conservation strategies.

What factors contribute to a "long breeding cycle" in animals?

Factors such as environmental conditions, resource availability, and the need for extensive parental care can all contribute to a "long breeding cycle". Large body size and complex social structures also play a role in some species.

How is a "long breeding cycle" a challenge in agriculture?

In agriculture, a "long breeding cycle" in crops or livestock means it takes more time to develop improved varieties or breeds. This can slow down the process of adapting to changing environmental conditions or market demands.

What are some alternative ways to say "long breeding cycle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extended reproductive period", "prolonged reproductive cycle", or "lengthy gestation period" if you are specifically referring to pregnancy duration.