With the help of a suitable example, explain how cross-breeding is carried out in developing a new breed in animals.

The correct answer is:
Mating of superior male of one breed with superior female of another breed. Hisardale, is a new breed of sheep (developed in Punjab) by crossing Bikaneri Ewes and Marino Rams.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. What is Cross-Breeding?
Cross-breeding is an animal breeding method where superior males of one breed are mated with superior females of another breed. This approach allows the desirable qualities of two different breeds to be combined into a single, new breed, often yielding offspring with superior traits (a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor or heterosis).

2. Understanding the Process:
• Selection: Breeders identify and select superior males (possessing traits like disease resistance, high meat yield, or adaptability) from Breed A, and superior females (possessing traits like high milk yield or good maternal instincts) from Breed B.
• Mating: These selected individuals are mated to produce cross-bred progeny.
• Stabilization: The progeny may be used for commercial production or further bred and selected over generations to develop a stable, new breed.

3. Real-World Example (Hisardale Sheep):
A classic and highly successful example of cross-breeding is the development of the Hisardale breed of sheep in Punjab, India:
• Bikaneri Ewes: The superior females selected for this cross were Bikaneri ewes (female sheep).
• Marino Rams: The superior males selected were Marino rams (male sheep, renowned for their high-quality wool).
• Result: The cross-breeding of these two distinct breeds successfully produced the Hisardale, combining the local adaptability of Bikaneri sheep with the superior wool quality of Marino sheep.