21 ref.

The objective of this paper is to summarise information concerning the correct choice of genotype for systems of milk production in the tropics. Although the discussion is confined to milking cattle, it is assumed that beef will be an important product of the system as well, and it is hoped that some of the arguments may also apply to other classes of ruminants. Clear advantages are evident for the breed groups of intermediate european inheritance and some of the high grade or pure european stock were unable to cover their own replacements. It was concluded that animals of high milk production potential may not be the most productive of milk or calves under tropical conditions, chiefly because of poor survival and reproduction. Crossbreds would tend to be more productive even where conditions were sufficiently improved to allow mean yields above 3000 kg of milk per lactation