Developing cross-breeding structures for extensive grazing systems, utilising only indigenous animal genetic resources

ICAR Technical Series No 3 Not more than a third of a century ago, a comprehensive theory of systematic cross-breeding in farm animals was fully developed (Smith, 1974; Moav, 1966; Dickerson, 1969; Dickerson, 1973). Since then many experiments have been conducted to provide information about the effect of crossing breeds or strains within farm animal species. Based on these results, efficient industry cross-breeding enterprises have been developed in poultry and pigs. In grazing species, however, even in developed countries, cross-breeding is still a matter of individual farmers who differ very much in their judgement of appropriate mating systems and breeds to be involved.