Reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows

Abstract

Crossbreed dairy breeds, such as Holstein × dairy type of Simmental, have been generally used to improve fertility, udder health, and longevity of dairy herds. The aim was to compare the reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. Data from two farms were used as follows: one located in Bom Retiro, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. and another in Carambeí, Paraná state. Information concerning birth, inseminations, and parity date were obtained from the management software of the farms, generating information regarding the calving interval, days between calving to first service, conception rate, and age at first calving. At one of the farms, calving was monitoring to quantify dystocia. Live weight as well as body condition score (BCS) of cows and information of culling were obtained to determine the survival rate. Data were analyzed by variance analysis and by logistic regression. Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had better reproductive performance than the Holstein cows, characterized by lower calving interval (381 vs. 445 days), higher conception rate (37.3 vs. 33.6 %), and shorter calving to first service interval (65 vs. 89 days). These results were related to a higher BCS in crossbred cows (3.63 vs. 2.94 points). Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had higher survival rate than Holstein cows on the second parity (83 vs. 92 %). No differences between genetic groups were observed (P > 0.05) for body weight and dystocia. In conclusion, Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows have better reproductive performance and higher survival rate than Holstein cows.

Comparison of metabolic, oxidative and inflammatory status of Simmental × Holstein crossbred with parental breeds during the peripartal and early lactation periods

“…Moreover, Knob et al . (2016) highlighted better reproductive performance and higher survival rate in Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows than in Holstein cows.…”

“…Crossbreeding between Simmental (dairy type) and Holstein has been performed for a long time, mostly in Europe. Several studies have demonstrated that relative crossbreds had higher reproductive performance and a better ability to restore immune homeostasis afther calving than Holstein cows (Knob et al ., 2016, 2020; Puppel et al ., 2018; Scatà et al ., 2020). Knob et al .…”

“…Knob et al . (2016) highlighted improved fertility traits (lower calving interval, higher conception rate and shorter calving to first service interval) and improved longevity in Holstein × Simmental F1 population respect to Holstein purebred. Moreover, Lopreiato and coworkers showed different metabolic adaptation during the transition period and different expression of genes involved in immune adaptation and inflammatory response, between Simmental and Holstein breeds (Lopreiato et al ., 2019, 2020).…”

Fertility response of lactating dairy cows subjected to three different breeding programs under subtropical conditions

“…In addition, the crossbreed between Simmental and Holstein cows has been found to improve CR [34]. Equally, Knob et al [39] informed that crossbred Simmental × Holstein cows had good reproductive efficacy compared with Holstein cows, characterized by higher CR (37.3 vs. 33.6 %). It has been well documented that there is a close relationship among BCS, NEB, and fertility [8].…”

Simmental × Holstein crossbred: comparison of immunological traits with parental breeds during peripartum and early lactation period

“…The crossing of Holstein and Simmental breeds aims to utilize the positive characteristics of each breed. Previous study showed improved fertility traits (shorter calving and calving to first service intervals) and prolonged longevity in HO × SI crossbred F1 population with respect to HO purebred (Knob et al ., 2016).…”