The Siboney de Cuba cattle: a review of studies conducted on the breed

The Siboney de Cuba cattle breed (5/8 Holstein x 3/8 Cuban Zebu) is the result of more than 50 years of work in crossbreeding and genetic improvement aimed at obtaining milk cattle better adapted to tropical climatic conditions. Its genotype combines the productive qualities of Holstein cattle with the resistance and adaptability of Cuban zebu breeds. These characteristics have made Siboney de Cuba the main dairy cattle breed in the country. Its productive and reproductive traits have been characterized over the years; however, there are very few studies related to the quality and composition of milk for this breed, as well as research carried out within the framework of molecular genetics. The objectives of this study were to review the main research that carried out on the Siboney de Cuba breed and to identify the challenges and perspectives that will be faced by the genetic improvement of this breed in the future.