would be logical to assume that such crosses
would produce less-productive animals and/or
exhibit less heterosis than crosses between a
local and an exotic breed. However, Gregory et
al. (1985) report estimates of heterosis for weight
of calf weaned per cow of 24 percent between
Boran and Ankole cattle, and 25 percent between
Boran and Small East African Zebu.
With any cross-breeding scheme it is important
to consider the whole system and all outputs
produced. Commenting the value of the European
dairy x Zebu F1 cow for milk production in the
tropics, LPPS and Köhler-Rollefson (2005) write
“in India, many owners of cross-bred cows cannot
see a use for male calves, so let them die.”