Research and Application of Crossbreeding to Dairy Cattle

Unilaterally pursuing milk yield has lead to decreased milk component concentration,and declined health status and fertility efficiency in dairy industry worldwide.To improve the total production efficiency and profitability nowadays becomes ultimate goal in dairy breeding and dairy production.Crossbreeding system is well-known for taking advantage of breed complementarities and heterosis.Recent 20 years crossbreeding system has been studied and practiced to improve the milk component and secondary traits,such as health and fertility,in dairy industry in developed countries.Current paper summarized research results of various dairy crossbreeding system,especially reviewed findings related to economically important traits and economical efficiency.The possible application of dairy crossbreeding system in China was discussed.