First, the set up starts with a description of the production system (step 1). In more general terms the analysis of the way we keep the animals and for which purpose. What is relevant in this respect? For a small dog, only kept as a companion animal in a comfortable house, behavior and health are important. For heath sheep kept in rough conditions the whole year around fitness traits and grazing behavior are relevant. For growing broilers in intensive systems with high production costs, daily growth is conclusive.
Breeding goal
Second, the question arises which traits should be improved in the next generations. What will be the goal(s) for breeding (step 2)? This question is highly related to the reasons for which we keep the animals. This process deserves a thorough study and a long lasting conclusion as animal breeding is only effective when a breeding goal is consequently maintained for many generations. Examples of breeding goals are defined improvements in traits of production, product quality, health and welfare traits, conformation traits, sport performance, fertility etc.