11.6.1 Two-way cross (pure-breed cross) (2024)

Two breeds are crossed and the offspring is used only for production purposes and is not used for breeding. For the crossbreds the notation F₁ is used. The full effect of heterosis can be exploited in the offspring. It requires the maintenance of the pure breeds, both with a breeding program. This system is widely used in dairy cattle and in sheep. The females not needed to produce purebred female replacements are mated to a breed with a high growth and slaughter quality. In this way the value of the offspring not needed for replacement gets a much higher value compared with purebred offspring.

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Source: Breeding for profit, 2002. Editor J. Bertram, Department of Queensland, Australia