Crossbreeding in dairy cattle can improve health and welfare outcomes compared to highly selected purebred Holstein herds. Understanding the welfare benefits of crossbreeding is important for industry decisions.
Intensive selection for milk production in Holstein cattle has created animals prone to metabolic disease, lameness, and reproductive failure. Crossbreeding with more robust breeds introduces heterosis that improves health, longevity, and welfare outcomes. Industry adoption of crossbreeding as a routine practice could substantially improve dairy cow welfare while maintaining productivity, making it a valuable tool for welfare improvement within existing systems.