Chapters authored
Crossbreed or Purebred, Which Is Better?
The worldwide goat population has surpassed one billion individuals and there are more than 300 different goat varieties in the world, including purebred and crossbred. Presently, many studies on the characterization of local goats have been conducted to determine genetic diversity and find associations with specific traits, both for optimal performance improvement and adaptation to the environment. Purebred goats have very high adaptability to various environmental conditions, while crossbreds may not be as adaptable as purebreds. Farmers and associations were interested in increasing production and stabilizing performance by using better selection approaches. The selection for a standard appearance helped in the reinforcement of breed identity. The new commercial breed trend threatens to reduce the diversity of the global gene pool, whose diversity ensures goat survival in a changing future. Crossbreeding is most effective when the strengths and weaknesses of different breeds are identified and the appropriate role of a breed in a crossbreeding program is determined. Some exotic goats have been crossed with indigenous varieties in an attempt to increase milk and meat production, but the results have been mixed. The risk of genetic degradation in native pure breeds can be reduced while increasing performance and production through controlled crossbreeding.
Part of the book: Goat Science