- 2009 -
Montbeliarde-sired crossbred cows compared to pure Holstein cows for body weight, body condition score, hip height, dry matter intake, and production during the first 150 days of first lactation
A.R. Hazel, B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, and J.G. Linn
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Differences in body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), hip height (HH), dry matter intake (DMI), and milk, fat, and protein production were compared for Montbeliarde-sired crossbred cows (MX, n=57) and pure Holstein cows (HOL, n=40). MX consisted of 33 F1 crossbreds of Montbeliarde x Holstein (MH) and 24 3-breed crossbreds of Montbeliarde x Jersey/Holstein (MJH). Data was collected during the 147-d interval from 4 d to 150 d postpartum of first lactation. Cows were housed at the University of Minnesota research facility, St. Paul, and calved during fall seasons between October 2005 to December 2007. BW and BCS were recorded bi-weekly, and hip height was measured once between 20 and 172 DIM. Cows were individually fed a TMR twice daily, and feed weighbacks were collected once daily during a 147-d interval from 4 d to 150 d postpartum. Independent variables for the statistical analysis of BW, BCS, HH, DMI, and production were age at calving (mo, linear), year of fall calving, breed of sire (Holstein vs. Montbeliarde), and MH vs. MJH nested within breed group for all dependent variables. Furthermore, period postpartum (14-d for BW and BCS and 7-d for DMI) within breed of sire (Holstein vs. Montbeliarde), and random effect of cow nested within breed of sire and MH vs. MJH were added to the model for BW, BCS, and DMI. MX had significantly (P<0.01) more BW than HOL (537 kg vs. 514 kg, respectively), and MH (550 kg) had more BW (P<0.01) compared to MJH (524 kg). For BCS, MX had more BCS (P<0.01) than HOL (3.28 vs. 2.72). However, MX (139 cm) had significantly (P<0.01) shorter HH than HOL (141 cm). DMI did not differ for MX and HOL (19.3 kg vs. 20.0 kg, respectively). Fat plus protein production during the interval from 4 d to 150 d postpartum did not differ for MX and HOL (305 kg vs. 308 kg), nor did MH (303 kg) differ from MJH (308 kg). In summary, DMI and production did not differ between MX and HOL, but MX maintained more BCS and BW in early lactation than HOL.
Calving traits, gestation length, and birth weight of Montbeliarde sires mated to Holstein or Jersey x Holstein crossbreds
B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, A.R. Hazel, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, and J.G. Linn
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Pure Holstein cows (HOL) and Jersey x Holstein crossbred cows (JxH) were compared for calving difficulty (CD), stillbirths (SB), gestation length (GL), calf birth weight (BW), and twinning rate (TR). Cows were in two research herds of the University of Minnesota and calved from August 2003 to December 2008. HOL (n=415) bred to either Holstein or Montbeliarde AI bulls during second and later lactation were compared to determine the effect of breed of sire. Statistical models for analysis of CD, SB, GL, and BW included the fixed effects of herd, sex of calf, breed group, and cow, which was a random effect. For CD and SB, respectively, calves (n=138) sired by Montbeliarde bulls (9.3%, 4.3%) were not significantly different from calves (n=277) sired by Holstein bulls (5.9%, 4.1%). The Montbeliarde-sired calves (283.2 d) also had significantly (P<0.01) longer GL than Holstein-sired calves (278.4 d). Montbeliarde-sired calves (n=134) had significantly (P<0.01) higher BW (48.3 kg vs. 43.3 kg) compared to Holstein-sired calves (n=266). Additionally, HOL mated to Holstein sires and JxH mated to Montbeliarde sires were compared during their first three lactations. Statistical models for analysis of CD, SB, GL, and BW included fixed effects of herd, season (fall or spring) nested within herd, sex of calf, breed group, lactation number nested within breed group, and cow within breed group, which was a random effect. However, a Chi-square test was needed to evaluate breed differences for TR. For CD and SB, JxH (n=177) were not significantly different from HOL (n=160) during the first three lactations. GL was significantly (P<0.05) longer for JxH than HOL in first (280.3 d vs. 277.7 d), second (280.7 d vs. 278.4 d), and third (283.8 d vs. 278.8 d) lactation. Across lactations, JxH had a significantly higher (P<0.05) TR than HOL (7.7% vs. 3.0%). JxH tended (P<0.10) to have Montbeliarde-sired calves (n=71) with less BW (37.6 kg vs. 38.9 kg) than pure Holstein calves (n=74) during first lactation.
Jersey x Holstein crossbred cows compared to pure Holstein cows for fertility and survival during the first three lactations
B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, A.R. Hazel, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, and J.G. Linn
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Jersey x Holstein crossbred (JxH, n=80) cows were compared to pure Holstein (n=77) cows for days to first breeding, number of inseminations, days open, pregnancy rate, survival to second lactation, and survival to third lactation during the first three lactations. Cows were in two research herds of the University of Minnesota and calved from September 2003 to June 2008. The JxH cows were mated to Montbeliarde sires, and Holstein cows were mated to Holstein sires. For days open, cows were required to be at least 250 d in milk and those with greater than 250 d for days open were truncated to 250 d. Independent variables for statistical analysis of days to first breeding, number of inseminations, and days open were the fixed effects of herd, season (fall or spring) nested within herd, breed group, lactation number nested within breed group, and cow within breed group was a random effect. For pregnancy rate, survival analysis was used to assess breed differences. For survival, a Chi-square test was used to evaluate breed differences. The JxH cows had significantly (P<0.05) fewer days to first breeding in first (79 d vs. 90 d), second (78 d vs. 86 d), and third (64 d vs. 77 d) lactation. Additionally, JxH cows were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows for number of inseminations in first and third lactations. However, in second lactation, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.05) fewer number of inseminations (2.21 vs. 2.73) than pure Holstein cows. For days open, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.05) fewer days open than pure Holstein cows in first lactation (124 d vs. 148 d), second lactation (121 d vs. 163 d), and third lactation (158 d vs. 200 d). Furthermore, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.05) higher pregnancy rates in first (20% vs. 12%) and second (25% vs. 13%) lactations. For survival to second calving, JxH cows (80%) were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows (71%). However, more JxH cows (64%) tended (P<0.10) to calve a third time than pure Holstein cows.
Jersey x Holstein crossbred cows compared to pure Holstein cows for production, SCS, and udder measurements during the first three lactations
B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, A.R. Hazel, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, and J.G. Linn
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Jersey x Holstein crossbred (JxH, n=76) cows were compared to pure Holstein (n=73) cows for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production, lifetime production, SCS, and udder measurements during the first three lactations. Cows were in two research herds of the University of Minnesota and calved from September 2003 to June 2008. The JxH were mated to Montbeliarde sires, and Holstein cows were mated to Holstein sires. Best Prediction was used to determine lifetime production (to 1220 d after first calving) and actual production for 305-d lactations with adjustment for age at calving, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. Independent variables for statistical analysis were the fixed effects of herd, season (fall or spring) nested within herd, breed group, lactation number nested within breed group, and cow within breed group, which was a random effect. During first lactation, JxH (518 kg) and pure Holstein (526 kg) cows were not significantly different for fat plus protein production. However, during second (605 kg vs. 630 kg) and third (609 kg vs. 660 kg) lactations, JxH cows were significantly (P<0.05) lower for fat plus protein production than pure Holstein cows. The JxH cows were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows for SCS during first and second lactations; however, JxH cows (3.80) tended (P<0.10) to have higher SCS than pure Holstein cows (3.40) during third lactation. The JxH cows were not significantly different from pure Holsteins for lifetime milk (19,194 kg vs. 21,448 kg) and lifetime fat plus protein (1,361 kg vs. 1,455 kg) production. For udder measurements, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.01) less udder clearance from the ground than pure Holstein cows in first (47.8 cm vs. 54.8 cm), second (42.4 cm vs. 51.4 cm), and third (40.4 cm vs. 48.9 cm) lactations. Furthermore, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.01) greater distance between front teats in first (15.7 cm vs. 14.0 cm), second (17.0 cm vs. 14.7 cm), and third (17.7 cm vs. 15.6 cm) lactation than pure Holstein cows.
- 2008 -
Montbeliarde-sired crossbred cows compared to pure Holstein cows for production, SCS, days open, and body condition score during their first two lactations
A.R. Hazel, B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, J.G. Linn, and J.E. Romano
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Montbeliarde-sired crossbred (MX) cows (n=83) were compared to pure Holstein cows (n=61) for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production; SCS; days open (DO); and BCS during their first two lactations. Cows were in two research herds of the University of Minnesota and calved from October 2005 to December 2007. Best Prediction was used to determine actual production for 305-d lactations with adjustment for age at calving, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. For DO, cows were required to be at least 250 d in milk and those with greater than 250 d for DO were truncated to 250 d. First and second lactations of cows were analyzed separately. Independent variables for statistical analysis were the fixed effects of herd, season (fall or spring) nested within herd, breed group, and two-breed (Montbeliarde x Holstein) vs. three-breed (Montbeliarde x Jersey/Holstein) crossbred nested within breed group. Age in months at calving and days in milk were also covariates for BCS. The MX and pure Holstein cows were not significantly different for fat plus protein production during first lactation (493 kg vs. 502 kg, respectively) and second lactation (617 kg vs. 618 kg, respectively). Also, MX cows (2.74) were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows (2.66) for SCS during first lactation; however, MX cows (1.53) had significantly (P<0.01) lower SCS than Holstein cows (2.51) during second lactation. During first lactation, MX cows (121 d) had significantly (P<0.01) fewer days open (40 d) than pure Holstein cows (161 d). The MX cows carried significantly (P<0.01) more body condition than pure Holstein cows during both first lactation (3.22 vs. 2.77, respectively) and second lactation (3.27 vs. 2.65, respectively).
Jersey x Holstein crossbred cows compared to pure Holstein cows for production, SCS, days open, body condition score, and udder measurements during the first three lactations
B.J. Heins, A.R. Hazel, L.B. Hansen, A.J. Seykora, D.G. Johnson, J.G. Linn, and J.E. Romano
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Jersey x Holstein crossbred (JxH, n=76) cows were compared to pure Holstein (n=73) cows for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production; SCS; days open (DO); BCS; and udder measurements during the first three lactations. Cows were in two research herds of the University of Minnesota and calved from September 2003 to June 2007. Best Prediction was used to determine actual production for 305-d lactations with adjustment for age at calving, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. For DO, cows were required to be at least 250 d in milk and those with greater than 250 d for DO were truncated to 250 d. Independent variables for statistical analysis were the fixed effects of herd, season (fall or spring) nested within herd, and breed group. During first lactation, JxH (497 kg) and pure Holstein (515 kg) cows were not significantly different for fat plus protein production. However, during second (577 kg vs. 608 kg) and third (598 kg vs. 641 kg) lactations, JxH cows were significantly (P<0.01) lower for fat plus protein production than pure Holstein cows. The JxH cows were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows for SCS during first and second lactations; however, JxH cows (4.00) had significantly (P<0.05) higher SCS than pure Holstein cows (3.20) during third lactation. The JxH cows tended (P<0.10) to have fewer days open than pure Holstein cows (127 d vs. 150 d) in first lactation and had significantly (P<0.01) fewer days open than pure Holstein cows (130 d vs. 162 d) in second lactation. For BCS, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.05) greater body condition (2.80 vs. 2.71 and 2.96 vs. 2.85) than pure Holstein cows in first and second lactations, respectively. For udder measurements, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.01) less udder clearance than pure Holstein cows in first (47.7 cm vs. 54.6 cm) and second (41.7 cm vs. 50.2 cm) lactations. Furthermore, JxH cows had significantly (P<0.01) greater distance between front teats in first (15.8 cm vs. 14.0 cm) and second (17.0 cm vs. 14.7 cm) lactation than pure Holstein cows.
- 2007 -
Production, fertility, and survival of pure Holsteins versus crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red
B.J. Heins, L.B. Hansen, and A.J. Seykora
Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Pure Holsteins (n=380) were compared to Normande/Holstein crossbreds (n=245), Montbeliarde/ Holstein crossbreds (n=494), and Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbreds (n=328) for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production, fertility, and survival. Scandinavian Red was a mixture of Swedish Red and Norwegian Red. Cows were housed in seven commercial dairies in California and calved for a first time from June 2002 to January 2005. All Holstein sires and all Holstein maternal grandsires were required to have a code assigned by the National Association of Animal Breeders to assure they were sired by artificial insemination (AI) bulls. Daughters of Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red sires were AI bulls via imported semen. Best Prediction was used to calculate actual production (milk, fat, and protein) for 305-d lactations. Adjustment was made for age at calving and milking frequency, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. For days open, first-calf heifers were required to be at least 250 days in milk and those with greater than 250 days open were truncated to 250 days. For production, herd-year-season (4-month seasons) and the genetic level of each cow’s Holstein maternal grandsire were included in the model for statistical analysis. During first lactation, pure Holsteins had significantly higher milk (9891 kg) and protein (307 kg) production than all crossbred groups, but pure Holsteins (352 kg) were not significantly different than Scandinavian Red/Holstein (343 kg) crossbreds for fat production. Scandinavian Red/Holstein (640 kg) crossbreds were not significantly different from the pure Holstein (659 kg) for fat plus protein production; however, the Normande/Holstein (601 kg) and the Montbeliarde/Holstein crossbreds (629 kg) had significantly lower fat plus protein production than pure Holsteins. Least squares means for days open were 147 days for pure Holsteins, 122 days for Normande/Holstein, 124 days for Montbeliarde/Holstein, and 131 days for Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbreds, and all three crossbred groups had significantly fewer days open than pure Holsteins. Three measures of survival were to 30 days, 150 days, and 305 days postpartum, and all crossbred groups survived significantly longer than pure Holsteins during first lactation for survival. Pure Holsteins left these dairies sooner than all crossbred groups, with 83% of pure Holsteins surviving 305 days post-calving compared to 90% to 93% of crossbreds.
Crossbreds of Jersey×Holstein compared to pure Holsteins for body weight, body condition score, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency during the first 150 days of first lactation
B.J. Heins1, L.B. Hansen1, A.J. Seykora1, D.G. Johnson2, J.G. Linn1, A.R. Hazel1, and M.L. Raeth-Knight1
Jersey×Holstein crossbreds (n=24) (JxH) were compared to pure Holsteins (n=17) for, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), dry matter intake (DMI), and feed efficiency during the first 150-d of first lactation. Cows were housed in the University of Minnesota dairy facility at the St. Paul campus and calved from September 2004 to January 2005. JxH were mated to Montbeliarde sires, and Holstein cows were mated to Holstein sires. Cows were weighed and body condition scored every other week. Cows were individually fed a TMR twice daily, and feed refusals were measured once daily. DMI of cows was measured daily and averaged across seven day periods. Milk production and milk composition were from monthly DHI. Best Prediction was used to calculate actual production (milk, fat, protein) for each cow for the first 150 d of first lactation. JxH had significantly less (34 kg) BW and had significantly higher BCS (2.90 vs. 2.76) than pure Holsteins. Furthermore, JxH and pure Holsteins did not differ for daily DMI, (22.0 kg vs. 22.7 kg, respectively). JxH (4.7%) and pure Holsteins (4.5%) consumed similar DMI on a percentage of body weight basis. Fat plus protein production for the first 150 d of lactation was 302 kg for JxH and 309 kg for Holsteins. Feed efficiency, defined as ratio of fat plus protein production (kg) divided by DMI (kg), for the first 150 d of lactation was 0.094 for JxH and 0.093 for pure Holsteins. JxH and pure Holsteins were similar for Cheese Merit ($1280 vs. $1313) and feed cost ($627 vs. $645). Income over feed cost for the first 150 d was $652 for JxH and $668 for pure Holsteins.
1Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
2West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris
Crossbreds of Jersey×Holstein compared to pure Holsteins for production, fertility, and body and udder measurements during first lactation
B.J. Heins1, L.B. Hansen1, A.J. Seykora1, D.G. Johnson1, J.G. Linn1, J.E. Romano2, and A.R. Hazel1
Jersey×Holstein crossbreds (JxH) n=76) were compared to pure Holsteins (n= 73) for 305-d milk, fat, and protein production; conception rate; days open; proportion of cows pregnant within fixed intervals postpartum; and body and udder measurements during first lactation. Cows were housed at two research locations of the University of Minnesota and calved from September 2003 to May 2005. JxH were mated to Montbeliarde sires, and Holstein cows were mated to Holstein sires. Best Prediction was used to determine actual production (milk, fat, and protein) for 305-d lactations with adjustment for age at calving, and records less than 305 d were projected to 305 d. JxH (274 kg) and pure Holsteins (277 kg) were not significantly different for fat production, but JxH had significantly less milk (7,147 kg vs. 7,705 kg) and protein (223 kg vs. 238 kg) production than pure Holsteins. JxH had significantly fewer days open than pure Holsteins (127 d vs. 150 d). Also, a significantly greater proportion of JxH crossbred cows were pregnant at 150 and at 180 days postpartum than pure Holsteins (75% vs. 59% and 77% vs. 61%, respectively). JxH had significantly less body weight (60 kg) at calving, but significantly greater body condition (2.80 vs. 2.71). Furthermore, JxH had significantly less udder clearance from the ground to the bottom of the udder than pure Holsteins (47.7 cm vs. 54.6 cm), and greater distance between front teats (15.8 cm vs. 14.0 cm) than pure Holsteins during first lactation.
1Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
2Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Crossbreds of Montbeliarde×Holstein and Montbeliarde×(Jersey×Holstein) compared to pure Holsteins for dry matter intake, production, and feed efficiency during the first 150 days of first lactation
B.J. Heins1, A.R. Hazel1, L.B. Hansen1, A.J. Seykora1, J.G. Linn1, and D.G. Johnson2
Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds (n=26) and Montbeliarde×(Jersey×Holstein) crossbreds (n=12) were compared to pure Holsteins (n=26) for dry matter intake, production, and feed efficiency during the first 150 d of first lactation. Cows were housed in the University of Minnesota research facility at the St. Paul campus and calved from October 2005 to January 2007. Twelve pure Holsteins and 14 Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds calved in the St. Paul campus herd during the fall/winter of 2005. Of the 12 Holsteins, one cow died early in lactation. In the fall/winter of 2006, 14 pure Holsteins, 12 Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds, 11 Montbeliarde×(Jersey×Holstein) crossbreds calved. Of the 14 Holsteins calving the second year, one died early in lactation. These cows were housed in a tie-stall barn and individually fed a total mixed ration that was 58.2% dry matter. Feed refusals were weighed back once daily. Feed intakes were taken from 4 to 150 days in milk. Least squares means were adjusted for the fixed effects of age at calving in months, breed, season, week postpartum within breed, and the random effect of cow within breed. During the first 150 days of first lactation, pure Holsteins consumed 1 kg more (P=.08) dry matter intake than the Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds (20.6 kg vs. 19.6 kg, respectively). Pure Holsteins and Montbeliarde×(Jersey×Holstein) crossbred cows (20.1 kg) were not different for dry matter intake. For total dry matter intake, pure Holsteins consumed (P=.10) 144 kilograms more dry matter during the first 150 days of first lactation than Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds (3024 kg vs. 2880 kg, respectively). Total intake did not differ for Holsteins versus Montbeliarde×(Jersey×Holstein) crossbred cows (2962 kg). Production and feed efficiency of first lactation Holstein versus Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds was compared only during the fall/early winter of 2005. Fat plus protein production did not differ for pure Holsteins and Montbeliarde×Holstein crossbreds (330 kg vs. 311 kg). Feed efficiency, calculated as fat plus protein divided by total dry matter, had a difference of .004, and is 3.7% on a percentage basis.
1Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
2West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris
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