How to establish a crossbreeding programme
In establishing a crossbreeding programme and selecting your breeds, there are a few key points to remember:
- Crossbreeding can improve profitability through breeding cows to fit your system.
- Cross breeding is a commitment.
- Make a plan
• how many breeds to use
• when to use them in rotation
• which animals in herd to cross breed
• you do not have to commit your whole herd to cross breeding
- Select breeds that meet your needs for attaining profitability
• e.g. if you are looking at stronger cows, with higher value bull calves select dual purpose breeds
• in order to increase hybrid vigour, select breeds that far part genetically
- Use breeds that are complementary to each other
• e.g. if you are satisfied with milk yield in your herd but want increased components
- Select breeds with sufficient genetic potential to improve your herd
• sampling a large number of bulls
• quality young sire testing programme
- Select the best bulls, that meet your needs, in each breed
• bull selection is as important in cross breeding as in pure breeding.
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