Genetic improvement of sheep production by crossbreeding strategies with hair sheep breeds

Abstract

The objective is to propose crossbreeding strategies with hair sheep breeds to improve meat production in Mexico. Two crossbreeding schemes are presented that can provide solutions to the problem of intensive use of several breeds in unplanned crosses that has occurred in some flock. The starting point of the first scheme is a hybrid base population (hair sheep x Dorper) in which the breed proportions are unknown, by using two hair sheep breeds alternatively as maternal lines and Dorper as paternal line. The second scheme aims to develop a hybrid or synthetic breed ⅝ Charollais ⅜ hair sheep. For purposes of this discussion the two hair sheep breeds Blackbelly and Pelibuey will be used along with Charollais as the meat-type breed in the understanding that any suitable breed may be used to achieve the objectives of a particular production system.