Abstract <p>This material presents a brief history of breeding hybrid forms (<i>Bos taurus</i> × <i>Bos indicus</i>) in the territory of the former Soviet Union. The issues of breeding zeboid milk and meat cattle in the Russian Federation are considered in detail, including their adaptation to heat stress and resistance to diseases. An opinion is expressed about the necessity of hybridization of zebu with European cattle breeds (<i>Bos taurus</i>) for the needs of grazing animal husbandry, as well as the use of zeboid breeding bulls as donors of economically important traits.</p>