Effect of crossbreeding on the milk, fat and protein yields of Brown Swiss x Holstein hybrids- A meta-analysis

Abstract

Due to the intensive selection the Holstein cattle breed has been submitted to, functional characteristics such as ease of calving and longevity have decayed over time. The use of crossbreeding with breeds that have not been so intensively selected has been suggested to combat these negative effects, as well as to improve the content of milk solids. The rearing of Holstein and Brown Swiss cows, as well as their hybrids, has been characterized by several publications. The aim of this study was to study the effect of crossbreeding in the milk, fat and protein yields of Brow Swiss x Holstein hybrid animals using existing literature. Nine papers were selected, and a meta-analysis was performed, comparing the average milk, fat, and protein yields of hybrid animals with those of purebred Holstein animals. The differences between the fat and protein yields were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05), while the milk yield of purebred Holstein cows proved to be significantly higher than that of Brown Swiss hybrids (p<0.05). More recent studies and further analysis of other characteristics are necessary to reach more accurate conclusions.