Effect of the Holsteinization on the productive and reproductive traits of cows under commercial dairying

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Holstenization on the productive and reproductive performances of available dairy cows under farming conditions. Data on Holstein Friesian (HF) × Sahiwal, HF × Jersy crossbred dairy cows were collected from the selected farmers of Shikalbaha village of Karnafuli Upazila of Chattogram District while breeding bulls’ information were collected from different cattle breeding service providers. It was observed that genotype had significant effects on weight at first heat (WFH), mature body weight (MBW), age at first heat (AFH), age at first calving (AFC), post-partum heat period (PPHP), daily milk yield (DMY) and peak milk yield (PMY) (P<0.05) except the traits birth weight (BW) and service per conception (SPC). The HF (50%) × Sahiwal (50%) crossbreds had significantly better AFH and AFC (P<0.001) than the three genetic groups of local, Sahiwal and Jersy. Calving interval is more in HF x Jersy (473.60±9.86) than HF × Sahiwal (455.93±9.77). Again, calving percentage is higher in HF × Sahiwal (93.33±4.54) than HF × Jersy (83.33±6.29). Correlations between the traits were calculated and it was found that some traits showed positive correlations. These trats can be improved easily by selecting the animals. In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on actual production and reproduction potentials of different Holstein crossed cows at commercial dairying that will assist to undertake appropriate cattle improvement strategies.