Production differences between Jersey and Friesian x Jersey cows in commercial dairy herds

K.L. Macmillan, D.M. Duganzich, A.M. Bryant

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1981, 41: 48-52

Friesian x Jersey (Fx) cows in 14 Waikato herds averaged 174 kg milkfat/lactation compared to 151 kg from Jersey (J) herdmates. This breed difference was associated with higher daily levels of milkfat/cow in early lactation (0.81 v 0.71 kg/cow/d) and longer lactations (265 v 255 days). The shape of the lactation curves were different for the two 'breed types', appearing to be more persistent in Fx cows.

Average calving day and day of first mating were similar for the two breed types. Among the mature cows, 83% of Fx animals were pregnant at the end of the AB period compared to only 72% of J herdmates. This fertility difference was also reflected in average day of conception (312 v 315), but final in-calf rates were similar (96% v 95%).

It is equally likely that the production differences were associated with milk flow or milk let-down characteristics rather than J cows being less 'competitive' than Fx herdmates.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998