Rl. Larson et Wo. Herring, CATTLE-BREEDING - PART II - CROSSBREEDING SYSTEMS, The Compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian, 20(4), 1998, pp. 130
Many producers use crossbreeding systems in order to take advantage of
heterosis (the boost to progeny performance that occurs when unrelate
d animals are mated; also called hybrid vigor) as well as to combine t
he strengths of different breeds. In general, trails that respond poor
ly to selection (discussed in Part I [February 1998]) respond well to
crossbreeding - with an increase in performance due to heterosis. This
article outlines the basic strategies involved with several of these
systems (two-breed rotational system, rotational-terminal-sire system,
and purchased F-1 heifers and terminal-sire system) as well as the st
rengths and weaknesses inherent in each of them. In addition, it addre
sses the use of composite breeds of cattle. The choice of a crossbreed
ing system depends primarily on the management capabilities of the pro
ducer.