Cross Breeds

I need to know what the most common pure and cross breeds of livestock are?

I'm not bothered by what type of livestock; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs. Whatever you can help with. Also, preferebly in the UK would be helpful.

Public Comments

1. Cattle: Angus, Hereford, Maine Anjou, Shorthorn, Simmental, Salers Goats: Boer, Nigerian Dwarf Sheep: Suffolk, Shetland, Hampshire, Dorset, Southdown, Tunis, Corriedale, Pigs: Hampshire, Duroc, Yorkshire
2. I'm not sure about UK, but Holsteins (the black and white) make up 90% of US dairy cows (they produce the most milk). Jerseys (brown) are probably #2 (because they have the highest butterfat in their milk). As far as crosses go, I see a lot of Jersey/Holsteins (with Jersey sires and Holstein dams. This gives good "hybrid vigor" and they tend to produce more milk than a pure-bred Jersey with more fat in the milk than with a pure-bred Holstein. Calves are also a smaller size for first-time mothers than a pure-bred Holstein would be. There's quite a few benefits to crossing, but if you ask me, the "Jerstein" temperament leaves something to be desired). I'm pretty sure Holsteins are #1 world wide, though I could be wrong. Dairy's about as far as my expertise goes (though I know that cross-bred swine are pretty popular, because they like to cross "mothering" breeds with "meat" breeds, so they'll get large broods that grow efficiently to get the best carcass value. I think Yorkshire are the most popular pure-bred swine here, but could be wrong.). Hope it was a bit of a help!