AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

SYSTEMS OF UTILIZATION OF HETEROSIS

Heterosis is a phenomenon in which the crosses of unrelated individuals often result in progeny with increased vigour, much above their parents.

• The progeny may be from the crossing of strains, varieties or species.
• Hybrid vigour includes hardiness, greater viability, faster growth rate, greater milk producing ability, fertility etc.
• One of the best-known examples for hybrid vigour is MULE, which is proven for hard work in extreme climatic conditions.