Question

What is the need of crossing the exotic breeds of cattle with local (Indian) breed, when exotic cattle have higher yield as compared to the hybrid breed of cattle?

Answer 1

The local (Indian) breeds of cattle have a relatively shorter lactation period because of the poor genetic constitution. In order to improve the milk production of local breeds, these organisms are crossed with exotic breeds through selective breeding. The hybrid produced by crossing local (Indian) breeds of cattle with exotic breeds has higher milk productivity and has better ability to survive in the local environment, unlike exotic breeds. The Indian breeds are chosen in this process so that the characteristics such as disease resistance against local pests can be acquired by the hybrid.