Disadvantages of Cross-Breeding

Among the disadvantages of cross-breeding is that the natural traits of the parents are not completely transferred to the offspring’s rather, it is shared. For instance: a cow with good milk production cross-bred with the one having good meat production will result in an offspring that will have both good meat and good milk but will not be as pure as those of the parents.

Also, if adequate care is not taken and a bigger male is used in mating a female with smaller size, foetal oversize may occur which may result to inability of the female to deliver on her own.

This could be a disadvantage because of the risk involved and the cost of caesarian operation if it has to be carried out.

See also: Advantages of Cross-Breeding

Cross-breeding Disadvantages

The major disadvantages of cross-breeding are that crossbreds also have the weaknesses of the breeds from which they descend and heterosis in initial crosses declines with any backcrossing to parental breeds.

Interest in crossbreeding has been steadily increasing. Commercial producers want to know what to expect when crossing two or even three breeds together. However, cross-breeding is not an exact science. Research is being conducted to help predict the outcome of cross-breeding.

•Loss of milk production

•Lower value for animals (dairy or slaughter value)

•Genetic improvement limited to breed improvement (small populations = less selection intensity = less improvement)

•Loss of uniformity of herd – cow size differs making it more difficult to feed properly and increases challenges in providing good cow comfort. In some parlors, differences in size of cows can be very challenging.

Now it’s time to consider some of the potentially negative aspects of cross breeding. Many cross breeders downplay the significance of these points, but they are still worth considering.

Difficult to Predict Temperaments

Pure breeds have been developed for different purposes, and their temperaments match those purposes closely. For example, Rottweilers tend to have bold and sometimes aggressive temperaments because they have been bred to be working guard dogs. Poodles were bred to hunt and be wonderful family companions. It would be difficult to predict the exact type of personality a cross-breeding between these two dogs might produce.

Hard to Predict Adult Size

Size really can be an issue for some potential owners, especially if they live in a small home with limited yard space. If both parents are similar in size, you can expect the pups will probably be about the same size as adults. However, it would be extremely difficult for the average pet owner to predict the ultimate size of a cross between a Doberman Pinscher and a Boston Terrier.

Potential for High Risk Deliveries

From a pregnancy perspective, breeding dogs of different sizes can sometimes lead to difficult deliveries. This is especially so if the stud is much larger than the bitch, or he comes from a large-headed breed. A bitch of a different breed may have more difficulty pushing the puppies out, and she may require a C-section in order for her and her mixed breed puppies to survive.

Still a Strong Chance for Congenital Health Issues

Many congenital health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases, epilepsy and kidney disease, are found across multiple breeds. This means these conditions are still likely to show up in crossbred pups if both parents are carriers of one or more of the same genetic problems.

May Be More Expensive Than a Purebred

With all the interest in “designer dogs,” some mixed breed dogs go for $1,000 or more. The average purebred puppy often costs between $300 to $500 unless it’s an extremely popular or rare breed.

Related: Methods of Livestock Breeding in the Tropical Environment