The method of cross-breeding is commonly used for improving cattle breeds because it increases fertility, longevity, feed efficiency and disease resistance in cattle. Frieswal, developed by ICAR, Meerut is a classic example of cross-bred cattle. It is a cross between native cattle Sahiwal and exotic cattle Holstein Friesian.
Crossbreeding is the process of mating two different pure-line breeds of animals with complementary traits. For dairy production, cross-breeding helps us to improve native cattle breeds. For example, the commercial milk yield of native cattle Sahilwal is between 1400 and 2500 kilograms per lactation but of exotic cattle Holstein Friesan is around 7200-9000 Kilograms per lactation
However, the exotic breed Holstein Friesan is native to Holland where mean summer temperatures are around 17°Celsius. India has a hot tropical to sub-tropical climate, therefore to improve the adaptability of this exotic breed in India and increase the milk production of our native breed we crossbreed these two different breeds to produce superior offspring.
When ICAR evaluated the crossbreed Frieswal, it was found that 35% of the Frieswal cows yield more than 4,000 Kilograms of milk per lactation while 9% produced more than 5,000 Kilograms of milk per lactation. That’s why cross breeding is important to improve the efficiency and yield of the native breed.
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