Strange Hybrids In A Strange World

Although hybrid animals are very rare as per various veterinary records, they can be obtained from the mating of two completely different species of animals. It is extremely easy to acquire a zebra-donkey hybrid (zonkey) or a horse-donkey hybrid (mule) since the two species that are involved are closely related.

However, in the year 2000, the veterinarians in Botswana reported an extraordinary occurrence of a goat-sheep hybrid. They gave the name ‘Toast of Botswana’ to this goat-sheep hybrid. The birth of this animal hybrid was the result of a mating between a male sheep and a female goat, which were kept in a barn together. Although there have been several attempts to perform such inter-specific animal crosses all over the world, most commonly in Malta, Chile and Jamaica, most of them result in hybrids that are still born.

Characteristics Of The Toast Of Botswana

This goat-sheep hybrid has fifty-seven chromosomes (large structures present in the nuclei of every cell, which aggregates into DNA) that are intermediate in number between goats (sixty chromosomes) and sheep (fifty-four chromosomes). This intermediate number according to agricultural studies proved that this animal is definitely not an instance of a mistaken identity but an actual hybrid animal.

Normally, goat-sheep hybrids such as the Toast of Botswana die in the embryo form because of the vast differences in the number of chromosomes and them belonging to varied genera (the genus of sheep is Ovis and goats belong to the genus Capra). The Toast of Botswana has features, which are halfway. It has an inner coat that is woolly, an outer coat that is coarse, a sheep-like body that is heavy and long legs (goat-like) apart from being white in color. Its tail always hangs down.

This hybrid animal has an extremely active libido in spite of being infertile, mounting both does and ewes even if they are not in heat. Therefore, this animal is also known as the rapist or ‘Bemya’. According to many veterinarians, the survival of single born individuals is not problematic. However if a species with an odd number of chromosomes continues to exist, it’s survival is a problem since the formation of sperms will tend to fail.

The Toast of Botswana is also very resistant to several diseases. It rarely gets sick even if there is an epidemic of foot rot in the monsoon season. The Toast of Botswana tends to grow faster than the lambs and kids that are born simultaneously.

Conclusion

Study of hybrid animals such as the Toast of Botswana is very beneficial since it may give important insights as to why some pregnancies fail to occur in livestock.

Hybrids are also larger as compared to their parents due to which, they have some amount of economic value. Veterinarians normally record the lifespan of such hybrid animals and conduct a thorough post mortem for comparing and characterizing their internal organs with their respective parents. They also preserve the tissues of such hybrids for future use.

A goat-sheep chimera also known as a geep all over the world is normally produced by the fusion of the embryos of both a sheep and a goat. The animal formed by this method thus has cells of not only goat but also of sheep origin. Those parts of the chimera that grow from the embryo of a sheep are woolly. Whereas those that grow from the embryo of a goat turn out to be hairy.

A goat-sheep hybrid is not at all similar to a goat-sheep chimera (some online websites wrongly label a hybrid as a chimera.). In a hybrid animal, each cell consists of a mixture of chromosomes obtained from the respective parents. In addition, the features of a hybrid are intermediate between the two parents. Chimeras (named after the mythological monster possessing a serpent’s tail, a goat’s body and a lion’s head) on the other hand are a mixture of cells that are genetically very different so as to form a mosaic comprising of mismatched parts.

About The Geep:

W.H. Dixon bred the first goat-sheep chimera in Ottawa, Canada some time around the eighties. It was inseminated artificially into three sheep and three goats. Interspecies chimeras generally are bred in the laboratory. The parent species necessary for giving birth to chimeras have to be related closely just like in the case of hybrid animals. This is necessary to ensure that the offspring is born alive and reasonably healthy.

A chimera can have either three parents (an additional sperm is fused with a fertilized egg or an unfertilized egg is fused with a fertilized egg) or four parents (there is a fusion of two fertilized eggs). In chimeras all the sets of germ line cells are not intermediate between the parents but these cells maintain the identity of their species.

A goat-sheep chimera (geep) is always fertile. However it will impart the genes of either a goat or a sheep depending on whether the reproductive organs were created from the embryo of a sheep or from that of a goat (i.e. according to the type of germ line created from the testes or ovary). Sometimes while trying to breed such goat-sheep chimeras, it is observed that only a few of them obtain the blood proteins of both the parental species. Such chimeras tend to behave like goats and mate with female goats. However in the case of male geeps, the sperms turn out to be defective in such cases.

Young geeps sometimes tend to have troubles with their eyesight. Some online websites erroneously make use of the word ’shoat’ for goat-sheep chimeras. However, actually the term ’shoat’ refers to a young piglet. Goat-sheep chimeras are similar to a lamb in size and shape but possess agile back legs and color patterns like a goat. It is observed that mothers of such geeps do not mind the fact that their off-springs are different as compared to other lambs.

It is believed that breeding such goat-sheep chimeras is very beneficial since doing so makes it possible to raise embryos of many endangered species by using the wombs of other suitable species.

Picture by NeonMerlin, licensed under GFDL

The Żubroń (also known as Zubron) is essentially a hybrid formed from the mating between a wisent and domestic cattle. A wisent (also known as Żubr in Slavic languages) is a European bison. Thus the Żubroń is similar to an American buffalo. A Żubroń is a type of a bovine hybrid. Bovine hybrids are found all over the world apart from the United States. These hybrids result from crosses, which give multi-tasked and very productive animals. Such animals are generally used as beasts of burden, for meat and for subtle curiosity.

About The Żubroń:

From thousands of animal names that were sent to the weekly magazine, Polish Przekrój, the word Żubroń was chosen officially during a contest, which was set up in the year 1969. This hybrid animal was created first in the year 1847 by a person named Leopold Walicki even though former natural creations would have been possible.

After the end of World War 1, several scientists were of the opinion that the Żubroń would be beneficial as a substitute for domestic cattle. The resulting Żubroń that was created was very durable and was extremely resistant to various diseases. In addition, it was possible to breed this hybrid animal on wastelands in the absence of appropriate farm infrastructure and even though the animal husbandry was not well developed then.

Żubrońs are heavy animals. Females have a weight of around 810 kg and males weigh about 1200kg. They are very strong and are immune to harsh weather. Males are generally infertile in the first generation. Females however are fertile and can mate with either wisents or cattle. Males resulting from such backcrosses tend to be fertile.

Since 1958, the Polish Institute Of Sciences continued the research projects on the herds of Żubroń in many laboratories, particularly in Młodzikowo and Białowieża. During the initial sixteen years of research experiments, about 71 animals in all were born, as well as Filon, the earliest Żubroń that was born to a mother who was also a Żubroń in the year 1960.

This hybrid animal was created for being a cheap and durable substitute for cattle. The experimentations continued till about the 1980’s. Thereafter the results of these hybrid breeding experiments turned out to be unsatisfactory.

The following factors played a very important part in the abolishing of the experiments:

1.The harsh economic difficulties faced by the socialist Polish economy in the late 1980’s
2.The lack of interest shown by the ineffective PGR
3.The absence of large private farm lands in the east of Europe
4.Fears that hybrid animals such as Żubrońs would mate with endangered wisent species thereby diluting the gene pool

The two significant centers where the experiments were carried out on the hybrids were Popielno (121 animals) and Łękno (a total of 391 animals). Some experiments were also carried out in USSR in the Askania Nova reserve. The experiments here were however discontinued and presently the only surviving Żubrońs are kept at the Bialowieski National Park.

However some breeding experiments are still being performed in Poland at Karolewo.

In the year 1921, a Dutch breeder by the name Leendert Saarloos began crossbreeding a female Eurasian wolf with a male German Shepherd dog. He desired to possess an improved German Shepherd dog that was immune to any kind of distemper. He thus succeeded in obtaining a European wolf dog.

This dog was very imposing and strong with characteristics that were wolf-like. It lacked the strength to attack and was reserved and cautious. However Leendert Saarloos failed in getting a perfect breed since all the hybrids of the first generation succumbed to distemper.

Later on, Leendert Saarloos managed to acquire complete control over these European wolf dogs. The recognition of this breed of dogs occurred in 1975 by the Dutch Kennel Society. To honor Leendert Saarloos, this Society changed the named of the wolf dog to Saarlooswolfhond. Saarlooswolfhonds are extremely rare and the cost of the purebreds can reach to about $2000.

Characteristics Of The Saarlooswolfhond:

The Saarlooswolfhond is a recognized breed of a dog-wolf hybrid all over the world. The height of Saarlooswolfhonds varies between 60-75 cm and their weight tends to be around 41 kg. The neck of the Saarlooswolfhond is powerful and broad with a tapering muzzle. Its head is moderately broad and is somewhat arched. Its ears are large and erect similar to those of the German Shepherds. Its legs are long and the feet turn outwards slightly. The tail is low set and is thickly feathered.

The coat is rough and weather resistant with an undercoat that is dense. The coat colors may be wolf brown, wolf gray and agouti with a few white markings. It is necessary to regularly brush and comb the coat of the Saarlooswolfhonds. These dogs should be bathed only when required for removing the natural oils present in the skin surface.

The qualities of the Saarlooswolfhond such as a tendency towards shyness, a requirement to have considerable space, a strong pack instinct and so on are similar to those of wolves and ancient canines. Therefore Saarlooswolfhonds require daily pack walks for satisfying their instincts. These dogs are very determined and they thus tend to be disobedient at times. However they need a social atmosphere and a powerful leader since they are pack-oriented. They are definitely unsuitable for a kennel life. Isolation increases their anti-social behavior and thus Saarlooswolfhonds panic if kept in an enclosure. This breed requires a lot of regular exercise and therefore have to be taken for jogs or long, daily brisk walks. The life expectancy of Saarlooswolfhonds is about ten to twelve years.

Owners of Saarlooswolfhonds need to establish a superior alpha position by spending time with them, understanding their behavior and training them with patience. A plus point of owning such dogs is that they are generally quiet, bark rarely and alert homeowners when there is trouble. These Saarlooswolfhonds are also excellent as rescue dogs or as guides for the visionless.

Casual breeding of these dogs is discouraged since they may suffer from problems such as spondylosis of the spinal cord, dysplasia, and temperament problems and so on.

Picture of the Saarlooswolfhound by Orinek7, licensed under GFDL

The Dzo is a cattle hybrid with the Yak, and is commonly found in Tibet and into Mongolia where they are also a popular hybridized breed. Technically speaking the Dzo is the male hybrid, the female is known as the zohm, or dzomo, additionally there are different spellings and different terms (yakow). The females, Dzomos, are fertile while the males, Dzos, are sterile. This species is noted to enjoy Hybrid Vigor, where the beneficial traits of both breeds are expressed in the hybrid and outweigh the harmful traits if any are present.

The Yak, Bos grunniens, is an animal commonly found in Tibet and as far north in Mongolia, however they are now listed as a threatened and vulnerable species due to pure bloodlines being lost to hybridization and the declining numbers of wild yak. Wild yaks are commonly upward of 2500lbs, and form herds of 10-30. Domestic yaks on the other hand weigh much less, usually maxing out at less than 1300lbs, while females of both are much smaller than the males (560lb max for domestic females, and 730lbs for wild females). They are crossed with the common domesticated cow (Bos primigenius Taurus). The domestic cow has been used for centuries for milk, production of cheeses, yogurts, and any dairy product, and is currently the most populous of the living bovines to date, with nearly a billion cows worldwide in recent estimations. They are a major backbone for economies all over the world, and their greatest population is in India. They are crossed with the Yak to create the Dzo hybrids.

The Dzo exhibit desirable traits of strength and health greater than the domestic cow and the yak, and are commonly employed for plowing and other heavy work, they are also highly prized and can be, using the females, interbred with either cattle, other yaks, to get the desired results for either milk production, meat production, or beasts of burden and labor. They are also used for milk production and meat, and in Mongolia they are prized for having a greater output of milk, which is used for many foods and cheeses, along with having more lean meat. They are commonly found throughout Tibet and into Mongolia. A closely related hybid is the crossing of a Yak with a Bison (American Buffalo), to create what is known as a Yakalo.

Picture of the Dzo by ottmarliebert.com from Santa Fe, Turtle Island, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0

The Savannah cat is a hybrid between two related species of feline. Through this hybridization a new line of cats was created, and known as the Savannah cat. The history goes back to when a Bengal cat breeder (also a hybrid cat) crossed a domesticated cat (Felis silvestris catus) with a Serval (Leptailurus serval). Although they are neither in the same genus, they are in the same Family Felidae and Subfamily Felinae, and are able to interbreed. After the first hybrids were produced, attempts were made for several years to get it popularized. Finally in the early 90s a breeder joined in the production and founding of the Savannah cat breed. As of the early 2000s there were nearly 22,000 Savannah cats.

Due to their hybridization with a large wild cat, they are typically larger than normal housecats and can weigh up to 35lbs for first generation offspring, while the second and later generations are between 15 and 25lbs. Due to the broad mixing of genetics the variability of size and weight occurs from litter to litter, with some in excess of 35lbs as adults, without obesity. Depending on the breed of domesticated housecat used, their patterns and overall coat will look different, and will produce wide variations. Of note is the fact that although the Savannah is a hybrid of the common domestic cat, only certain breeds of domestic cat are recognized, while others are not. Some breeders will mix the Bengal hybrid with the Savannah hybrid to create even more genetically varied stock, however the Bengal is not accepted as one of the breeds. Accepted breeds according to the TICA are the Ocicat, Egyptian Mau, Domestic Shorthair, and the Oriental Shorthair. Due to hybridization males are sterile until around the 5th generation, while females are not, and can be fertile with the first generation hybrids. Their costs go up accordingly, with females being much more valuable than males.

Strangely, for cats, they are comparatively placed next to the temperaments of domestic dogs with descriptions of being loyal, and exhibiting common domesticated dog traits such as following their owner, playing fetch, and use of a leash, they are mostly considered to be friendly and social when greeting new people, however there is a variance in this as some have reported hissing and general displeasure with meeting strangers. One other trait not associated with normal domestic housecats is that the Savannah cat generally enjoys water, and swimming.

The health of these hybrids has been evaluated as having a trait known as “Hybrid Vigor” which means that they benefit from the hybridization more than the possible consequences of hybridization. Known or possible issues are minimal, but a vet must be informed to avoid any issues or possible negative outcomes with treatment, such as lower dosages for their size due to a smaller liver, and possible reactions with Ketamine and live vaccinations. As for their diet there is much controversy, ranging from general cat-food being good, to raw diets of organics being the only acceptable diet; however they are denoted as being hardy in either case or ranges in between.

Currently the only place totally illegal to own a hybrid cat, even if it is more than five generations out, is New York City in New York. Other areas have restrictions and registrations along with permit laws, however New York City is the only place in the United States that explicitly forbids ownership of any hybrid animals. Many arguments have been made by the owners of these hybrids, and there have been no recorded attacks, or fatalities, from the Savannah Cat (as their size would dictate they would be unable to hurt much except for small children, but seem to be good around children anyways). However, it is possible that ignorance of the issues involving hybrids by those in charge of the laws in New York and New York City have painted their views on the matter. In several interviews many officials have seemed concerned about safety, even though not one was able to name an incident involving the Savannah Cat (because there have actually been none, with over 22,000 currently kept as pets).