What term is used to describe animals that are selected for breeding based on their measurable performance?

The term associated with animals being chosen for breeding based on their measurable performance is indeed performance records. Performance records provide concrete data that reflect an animal's capabilities in various traits such as growth rate, milk production, or other economically important characteristics. By utilizing these records, livestock producers can make informed decisions and select the best candidates for breeding, ensuring that desirable traits are passed on to future generations.

In the context of livestock selection, performance records are crucial as they offer objective metrics that can be analyzed for improving herd quality. They help in identifying individuals that excel in specific traits, ultimately enhancing genetic progress.

The other terms, while related to livestock breeding, do not specifically address the selection based on measured performance. Phenotypes refer to the observable characteristics of an animal, which are influenced by both genetics and the environment. Genotypes denote the genetic makeup of an animal, but they do not directly represent measurable performance traits. Selection criteria encompasses broader aspects of the evaluation process, which may include performance records but is not limited to them specifically.