Most farmers are skeptical towards crossbreeding. They appreciate the production of their Holsteins. Many want to keep the production at the same level, but would like to have fewer problems with their cows. If you are a farmer with a Holstein herd, you 'll probably recognize one of the following problems:
- fertility
- no increase in lifetime production
- too high veterinarian costs
- too much work per cow
- too many problem cows
Continuing with Holsteins will not solve these problems: The genetics you put in will not come out anymore. Why not?
There is a lot of inbreeding in Holsteins (Holsteins are all related to each other). Inbreeding is increasing rapidly also due to genomic selection.
Holsteins can produce a lot of milk, but need a lot of attention and therefore create additional costs
Crossbreeding gives heterosis and solves many of these problems. Keep in mind that it still is very important to use the right breeds and the best bulls within these breeds.