The Milk Producer - July 2012 - (Page 38)

RUMINATIONS By Brian Lang Crossbreeding analysed New California study could help you determine if adding European genetics to your herd is a good idea A new study from California on crossbreeding could help you .determine if adding European genetics to your herd would benefit your bottom line. Researchers recently conducted an in-depth crossbreeding analysis on six commercial California dairy farms. The project looked at fertility, somatic cell counts, butterfat and protein production, cow survival and profitability over four to five lactations. The researchers studied 251 Normande Holsteins, 503 Montbéliarde Holsteins and 321 Scandinavian Red Holsteins. The cows were then compared to 321 pure Holsteins. The Scandinavian Reds were a combination of Swedish Red and Norwegian Red. There were a total of 1,396 cows. The three crossbred cow groups had first-service conception rates five to 10 per cent higher than the Holsteins, and pregnancy rates 2.8 to 5.3 per cent higher. They also had 12 to 26 fewer days open than the pure Holsteins, and slightly fewer days to first breeding. The Holsteins had a significantly higher death rate during the first 305 days of their first lactation at 5.3 per cent. The Normande crosses’ death rate was 1.2 per cent, the Montbéliarde rate 1.6 per cent and the Scandinavian Red crosses two per cent. All the crossbreds had a higher percentage of cows that calved a second, third or fourth time. On average, they stayed in the herd 317 to 412 days longer than the Holsteins. SCC was the same for the Holsteins and the Normande Holstein breed. The Montbéliarde and Scandinavian Red crosses had significantly lower SCCs during the study. The Montbéliarde and Scandinavian Red crosses produced three to four per cent less fat plus protein yield (milk solids) than the pure Holsteins for the 305-day projected lactations. The Normande Holstein cows produced 10 per cent less fat plus protein for the same period. Due to the higher lactation production, the authors believe the Montbéliarde and Scandinavian Red were good candidates for Ruminations is prepared by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs livestock technology specialists to provide information you can use on your farm. The researchers also discovered purebred Holstein cows in Canada produce more milk, but less fat and protein than crossbreds. 38 | July 2012 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - July 2012

The Milk Producer - July 2012
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
Farm Finance
DFC Promotion
Producer Profile
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - July 2012