Mating systems - Different approaches to Superior Performance

23 October 2026 · By Yvette Steyn · 1 downloads

Which mating system best supports genetic progress in a livestock herd? Yvette Steyn compares random mating, outbreeding, inbreeding, line-breeding, line-crossing and crossbreeding, explaining their objectives, benefits, limitations and management requirements. The article explores how inbreeding can increase uniformity but also expose harmful recessive genes, while crossbreeding can exploit heterosis and breed complementarity. Its central message is that no single mating system suits every breeder: successful breeding depends on clear objectives, superior genetics, complete pedigrees and reliable performance recording.