hybrid vigor for health

[angus9259]

So we speak a lot regarding hybrid vigor for growth, but don't much discuss hybrid vigor for health. It's a common understanding (whether it's true or not) that mutts are generally healthier dogs than their purebred counterparts. Is that true for cattle? Are mutts healthier than pure breds? Are F1 crosses healthier than mutts? 3 way crosses the healthiest? Anyone ever actually study this?

 

[Ebenezer]

I do not see health problems in linebred or inbred cattle, sheep or chickens. But there are individuals that express regression. Use phenotypic selection to decrease the effects of regression.

 

[Lucky_P]

Like you say, it's a 'common understanding'... but it ain't necessarily so.

There are genetic markers that have been identified that appear to signal resistance to some infectious diseases... and at some point, breeders may begin to select for the presence of those gene markers... but it's not yet happening to any appreciable extent.