Productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows in their first crossbreeding rotational program in the Mexican Plateau.

Abstract

Crossbred dairy cows differ in productive and reproductive traits compared to purebred Holsteins. The objectives of this study were to breed Holstein, Jersey, Montbeliarde and Swedish Red using a breed rotational crossbreeding system and evaluate some productive and reproductive performance. Imported Holstein cows were used H (n = 200) as the basis for crossbreeding. The genetic groups obtained in first lactation were: 1) H (n = 44); 2) F1J (50% Holstein and 50% Jersey, n = 58); 3) F1M (50% Holstein and 50% Montbeliarde, n = 72); 4) HJS (25% Holstein, 25% Jersey and 50% Swedish Red, n = 53). Percentage of cows removed was higher (P = 0.05) in H (15%) than crossbred cows (5%). Days open period was greater (P = 0.03) in H (160.8 ± 21.7) than F1J (108.6 ± 9.5), F1M (121.6 ± 9.1) and HJS (121.6 ± 11.8) Projected calving interval was higher (P = 0.03) in H (443.8 ± 21.7 days) than F1J (388.4 ± 9.4), F1M (401.0 ± 8.8), HJS (402.9 ± 13.7). Holstein cows (10,040.9 ± 232.2 kg) produced more milk (P = 0.0001) than F1J (9.050 ± 161.4), F1M (8,866.0 ± 157.4) and HJS cows (8,856.3 ± 160.0). All variables were similar between the crosses (P = 0.10) Services per conception were similar (P = 0.10) in all groups. In conclusion, crossbred cows, regardless of the genotype, had lower percentage of cows removed from the herd, less days open and calving interval than Holstein. However, Holstein cows produced more milk than crossbreds.