5.2. Methods of crossed individuals. Interspecific crosses are a method of multiple hybridization in which two species are crossed with each other to produce hybrids. This can be very useful, for example, in developing new animal breeds or plant varieties with desired characteristics. However, the process of crossing two different species can pose some challenges and difficulties, and knowing some basic rules and techniques can help in obtaining better results.
5.3. Rules for crossing interspecific parents. Before you begin crossing interspecific individuals, it is necessary to carry out preliminary work. First of all, you need to make sure that animals of both species interbreed freely with each other, and that it is possible to have viable offspring from this pair. If possible, a compatibility test should be carried out on smaller animals a week before crossing the larger pair.
When selecting individuals to cross, a number of factors should be taken into account, such as the age, size and health of both parents. Individuals that have physical defects or show signs of illness should be avoided. In addition, you should not use individuals that are fed food or animal products that are unusual for them in nature. It is also necessary to ensure that both individuals have mature ovaries and sperm for successful fertilization.
Also, before crossing, both individuals should be quarantined for 2 weeks to avoid contracting diseases that can be transmitted from one animal to another. While common practice in zoos involves maintaining mating hives or inspecting males, many species still have complex breeding techniques required for mating. It is important to choose the right time for their reproduction, corresponding to the time of year or season. And, of course, it is important to monitor the hygiene of the environment and physical contacts to avoid the possibility of transmission of infection between individuals.
Hybrid offspring may inherit positive traits from both parents, such as a healthy body condition or increased fertility. Although they may lose some of the special traits of their ancestors, this can be corrected through selective breeding later. The process of interspecific crossing can result in different types of animals with different combinations of genetic traits and even role reversals. In general, crossing is a very important type of hybridization.