Hybrids are the offspring of parents that differ in one or more genetic traits.
The mating of individuals from different strains, breeds, or species is known as crossbreeding. Common examples of types produced through crossbreeding are the Brangus, a breed of cattle derived from a cross between a Brahman bull and an Angus cow, and the mule, which is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. Species hybrids sometimes occur in nature, but the occurrence is usually infrequent. Generally, closely related plants or animals crossbreed more often than do distantly related plants or animals. Plant and animal breeders have developed special techniques for producing hybrids artificially in laboratories, zoos, or farms.