Crossbreeding as an alternative approach in dairy cattle breeding

Crossbreeding offers the possibility to use specific position effects between breeds or lines and to exploit heterosis. In poultry and swine breeding, this breeding method has long been the dominating one. In dairy cattle, crossbreeding is rare but can be found when the goal is not to maximize production per performance per cow but rather an optimal stability against environmental effects. Presently, a number of studies are available that show advantages for crossbreds also in dairy cattle. These advantages to a lesser extent pertain to milk production but rather to functional traits. When choosing the partners for crossbreeding in dairy cattle it has to be cared for that due to the evident superiority of the Holstein breed, breeds have to be sought which are not too inferior compared to Holstein. Some examples exist for this. Studying the literature it becomes evident that up to now mainly the performance of F1- crossbreds is compared to purebreds. It has to be asked which form of continuation of the crossbreeding process is to be recommended. Notice has to be given to the fact that recombination effects arise due to gene x gene interactions when continuing to breed with crossbreds. These recombination effects may have undesired effects and result in heterogeneous products of the crossbreeding process. In contrast to poultry and pig breeding, separate tiers in the sense of nucleus herds, multiplier herds producing crossbreds and commercial herds are not established in dairy cattle and also are not economically sustainable. In dairy cattle, the advantages of crossbreeding could be exploited if a truly functioning method of semen sexing was available. Under these conditions, a separation of herds into breeding herds and commercial herds that buy all replacements can be envisaged.

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