Comparative Dairy Production of Jerseys and Friesian-Jersey Crossbreds

A.G. Campbell

E-Mail:

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 25-31

Of two originally matched Jersey herds at Ruakura, one has been maintained purebred while the other has been graded through to Friesian x Jersey crossbred status over 8 years. Stocking rate, grazing and milking management, and genetic merit were comparable throughout for both herds. On average the crossbreds were 16% heavier than their Jersey contemporaries; they also produced 16% more milk, 4.9% more milkfat, 9% more protein and 16% more lactose. However, at the stocking rate employed (4.12 cow equivalents/ha) the Jerseys remaining in the crossbred herd were penalized in liveweight and fat, protein and lactose production compared with their contemporaries in the Jersey herd, so that total herd milk-fat productions and financial returns slightly favoured the purebred Jersey herd.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000