Crossbreeding animals to potentially increase performance is nothing new in the livestock world, and dairy production is no exception.
According to University of Missouri Extension Dairy Specialist Ted Probert, producers have expressed increased interest in crossbreeding in recent years.
“Crossbreeding is very common on pasture-based dairy farms, but many confinement producers also appreciate and utilize the benefits derived from this type of breeding system,” he explained. “Crossbreeding can offer benefits that are difficult to achieve with pure breeding – benefits realized from heterosis (hybrid vigor), as well as breed complementarity.”
Probert added that there are four benefits that can be realized through a well-managed crossbreeding program.
Improved Reproduction
Traits with low heritability tend to be the traits that can be most easily and quickly improved by heterosis through crossbreeding. Fertility is one of these traits.
“Data from Minnesota indicates fewer days open for first lactation crossbreds compared to pure Holsteins,” Probert said. “Fertility benefits may represent one of the greatest advantages of crossbreeding for seasonal pasture-based herds but can also be a plus for conventional operations.
Moderation of Body Size
U.S. dairy cows, particularly Holsteins, have increased in body size during the past several decades.
“Some producers like these large framed cows, but others prefer moderate-sized cows that fit some management systems better,” Probert said. “One of the easiest ways to moderate body size is to cross with a smaller breed. Furthermore, breeding Holstein heifers to a smaller breed sire can significantly reduce calving problems.”
Increase Milk Solids
The value of this benefit varies depending on the pricing of butterfat and protein in various milk markets, but most producers will receive at least some increase in price with added solids.
“For producers selling in a component market, gains in solids can significantly impact milk price,” Probert explained. “Additionally, when crossing dairy breeds, we typically see a yield response (both fluid and solids) from heterosis. Milk production will typically be higher than the average of the two breeds.”
For example, production from Holstein/Jersey cross cows will generally be closer to the expected production level of Holsteins than to typical Jersey production levels.
Improved Survival
Heterosis realized from crossbreeding results in improved survival of F1 cows through first lactation and into second lactation compared to straight Holsteins. Calf survival is also favorably influenced through crossbreeding.
“Most producers understand and appreciate the potential for improved performance from crossbred offspring produced by two purebred parents (F1s),” Probert explained. “Many, though, worry about how to mate F1s to continue the advantages of hybrid vigor into succeeding generations. Sustaining a successful crossbreeding program requires a plan and the commitment to follow it.”
Two crossbreeding systems most commonly used in dairy herds are the two-breed rotation and the three-breed rotation.
“In this system, F1 offspring are mated back to one of the original parent breeds, and mating sires for succeeding generations are alternated between the two breeds,” Probert said. “This system will sustain 67 percent of the hybrid vigor possessed by the original F1 generation.”
The three-breed rotational crossbreeding system uses three breeds. Probert said it starts with a two-breed F1 female and mates the F1 to a third breed. The rotation continues, alternating among sires of the three breeds for each subsequent generation. Under this system, 86 percent of full heterosis will be maintained. The three-breed rotation takes a bit more management than the two-breed system but offers a higher rate of heterosis.
Three factors should be carefully considered when choosing breeds for a crossbreeding program:
“First, the breeds used in the program need to complement each other and fit the breeding goals established for the herd,” Probert said. “For example, if one herd goal is to produce cows of moderate to small body size, Holstein and Brown Swiss would not be complimentary, as both tend to sire larger animals. Jersey would be a more logical choice for crossing with a large breed. However, these three breeds may produce the desired results in a three-breed rotation. The Jersey influence coupled with careful selection of Holstein and Brown Swiss sires could make this combination workable.
Second, the breeds chosen need to offer large enough genetic pools to facilitate an adequate level of sire selection within each breed.
“In the U.S., the Holstein and Jersey breeds offer the largest populations and the largest number of bulls sampled per year,” Probert said. “These are also the two breeds most widely used in crossbreeding programs. In a three-breed rotation, the third breed should be chosen based upon individual herd goals.
Crossbreeding does not diminish the importance of good sire selection,” Probert added.
“Rather, crossbreeding should be viewed as a step toward enhancing the breeding value of highly selected sires,” he said. “Matings to sires with marginal genetic merit will produce offspring with marginal genetic merit whether the animals are purebreds or crossbreds.”
While crossbreeding programs work well for many producers, but it might not fit into every operation.
“Not all dairy farmers will be interested in utilizing crossbreeding,” Probert said. “Done in a planned manner, however, crossbreeding does offer several benefits that can positively influence an operation’s bottom line.
