Review on Milk Yield Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Ethiopia

Crossbreeding had been initiated and put into practice in various parts of Ethiopia for a very long time to improve milk yield performance. This review was conducted to review and generating compiled information on milk production traits such as daily milk yield (DMY), lactation length (LL), and lactation milk yield of cross breed dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Review results of milk production performances in Ethiopia varied greatly from one genotype to another. The on-station lactation milk yield, lactation length and daily milk yield were ranged from 1293.01±23.70 to 2957.46±72.98 liters, 298.68±5.17 to 374.05±7.24 days, 4.18±5 to 8.70±0.17 liters, respectively, whereas the on-farm review results were ranged from 631.69±222.98 to 2705.43 liters, 241.65±26.22 to 310.91±41.83 days and 7.30±0.16 to 9.91 liters, respectively. Among the genotypes, the 50% F1 and 75% Holstein Friesian first generations were considered suitable for milk production parameters. The on-station development of 50% F2, F3, and 75% second generations showed low milk production. Regardless of blood level and genotype difference, the performance of on-farm crossbred cows was almost similar to on-station experimental cows. Crossbred cows were affected by non-genetic factors like year, season, and parity, depending on the breed and study location. In general, crossbred cows have good milk yield performances compared to indigenous (local) breeds. However, crossbred animals could not exploit their maximum potentials because animals are subjected to different environmental effects.