daNiSh CroSSbrEEdiNg rESuLTS by Morten Kargo sorensen, VFL, Denmark
The last few years crossbreeding has become more common practice in Denmark. The Danish Agricultural Advisory Service has analyzed the data from crosses between VikingRed and Holstein (Red sire and HF dam) in Denmark.
Table 1 Within herd differences between crosses (Red sire and Holstein dam)
the study is within herd comparisons between this type of crosses and holstein cows, and it was required that at least 6 crosses and 6 holstein cows per birth year were present in herd included in the analyses. Furthermore the cows were born in 2004 or later. the analyses included 3,701 crosses and 8,759 holstein cows. the results are given as within herd differences between crosses and holstein.
Fat kg 1st lactation
+5
Protein kg 1st lactation
-1
Fat kg 2nd lactation
+1
in general the crosses produce less volume of milk in both first and second lactation. the production of fat plus protein summed over first and second lactation is however equal. the still birth rate is 1.4% point lower in crosses compared to pure holstein. the fertility for the crosses is improved by a week measured as days from first to last insemination. the udder health is better for the crosses, and therefore they have fewer mastitis treatments. all in all the survival of the crosses are better. 6.2% point more crosses reach third calving.
Protein kg 2nd lactation
-5
the preliminary Danish results based on many cows confirm former investigations. the crosses produce the same amount as the holstein and have improved level of functional traits.
Milk kg 1st lactation
Milk kg 2nd lactation
-179
-390
Still birth rate 1st calving
-1.4%points
Survival to 2nd calving
+2.6%points
Survival to 3rd calving
+6.2%points
Days from first to last ins. 1st lact. No. of ins 1st lact. Days from first to last ins 2nd lact. No. of ins 2nd lact.
-7 -0.10 -7 -0.09
Mastitis treatments 1st lact.
-1.4%points
Mastitis treatments 2nd lactation
-4.1%points
Danish studies comparing pure Holstein cows with VikingRed x Holstein crosses in the same herds show the same production - but VR x HOL crosses have lower stillbirth rate and better fertility, udder health and survival / longevity.
From left to right: Seppo Niskanen, VikingGenetics, Export Manager for the UK, Tristan Gaiffe, General Manager, Coopex Montbéliarde, Stuart MacLennan, General Manager, GENUS Breeding UK and Ferréol Roche, Coopex Montbéliarde, Export Manager for the UK
vikiNg aNd CooPEX LauNCh ProCroSS iN uk together with Genus breeding Viking and coopex now launch the pc concept in uK. crossbreeding is quite common in uK especially in the grassland market and both coopex and Viking are since long time established, genus has been distributing Vikingred for many years. but finally everything comes together and the answer can be given on “what to do next”. 9