Terminal crossbreeding

Terminal crossbreeding is a breeding system used in animal production. It involves two (different) breeds of animal that have been crossbred. The female offspring of that cross is then mated with a male (the terminal male) of a third breed, producing the terminal crossbred animal.[1]

The first crossbreeding may produce a superior animal due to hybrid vigor. Often, this crossbreed is part of a rotational crossbreeding scheme; if it also incorporates terminal crossbreeding, it is then called a rotaterminal system. By mating the crossbreed with a third breed, hybrid vigor may be further enhanced.[2]

See also

• Artificial selection
• Dog hybrids and crossbreeds
• Purebred
• Selective breeding
• Outcross

References

1. Terminal and Rotaterminal Crossbreeding Systems for Pork Producers University of Missouri, Columbia Mo.
2. Should Replacement Gilts be Raised or Purchased? North Carolina state university, North Carolina