Crossbreeding Trail Update

The cow required for future Irish milk production systems must be robust and ‘easy care’ as well as being capable of producing high milk solids, the majority of which must come from grazed grass.

Crossing the Holstein-Friesian with an alternative dairy breed sire can provide farmers with an alternative opportunity to increase overall animal performance by increasing herd health, fertility and milk value. This is due to the introduction of favourable genes from another breed and through hybrid vigour.

Genetic gain must not be neglected i.e. only the best sires of both breeds should be used when crossbreeding. That means using high EBI.

Two studies are currently under way at Moorepark evaluating the potential of dairy crossbreeding: one study is evaluating the Norwegian Red and Norwegian Red crossbred cows across 46 commercial dairy herds, and the second trial is evaluating the Jersey and Jersey crossbreds at Ballydague. In both studies the cows have just completed 1st lactation.

Early results from the Norwegian Red on-farm study suggest that Norwegian RedxHolstein-Friesian cows produce similar milk yields with similar milk composition compared to Holstein cows. The yield of milk produced by the pure Norwegian Reds was slightly lower, with lower fat content. Crossbred cows also displayed similar live weight to the Holstein-Friesian but had higher body condition score at all stages of lactation. Fertility and udder health were also in favour of the Norwegian Red and crossbred cows.

The first year results from the Ballydague Jersey trial show that milk volume was highest with the Holstein-Friesian and lowest with the Jersey. However, a substantial lift in milk constituents with the Jersey and Jersey crossbred resulted in a similar yield of solids for all three breed groups. Jersey and Jersey crossbred cows were lighter than Holstein-Friesian cows but maintained higher body condition score at all stages of lactation. Fertility performance was in favour of the Jersey and JerseyxHolstein-Friesian cows.

Both Norwegian Red and Jersey calves are easily born and early maturing.
To present economic comparisons for the studies presented at this point is considered premature. However, these preliminary data suggest that crossbreeding with the Norwegian Red or Jersey are real options for Irish dairy farmers.