Crossbreeding of Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss and Sanga breeds in Zaire. I. Milk production

Abstract

A crossbreeding experiment between Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss and Ankole cattle was conducted during the years 1978 - 1988 on the Lushebere farm in the Masisi zone, North-Kivu in the Republic of Zaire. Superior Holstein Friesian breed additive effects and Holstein Friesian x Ankole individual heterosis effects were found for milk yield. Brown Swiss x Ankole individual heterosis contributed positively to milk production. A low heritability was found for milk yield (0.14), economically the most important trait. The main reasons might be the long-term phenotypic selection, particularly for the Ankole breed, and further the limited possibilities for European breeds to express their genetic potential due to the absence of concentrate feeding. Considering a long-term breeding goal, based on the simulation of new synthetic breeds, it was shown that the breed proportions between 77.5 and 80 % Holstein Friesian and between 20 and 22.5 % Ankole should be pursued.