Evaluation of Reproductive Performance and Disorders in Holstein-Friesian and its Crossbreds with Montbeliarde under Egyptian Conditions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive performance and disorders of pure Holstein-Friesian (HO) and Montbeliarde (MO) crossbred cows in a commercial dairy herd under Egyptian conditions. Analysis was done for age at first calving (AFC), number of services per conception (NSPC), days open (DOPN), gestation period (GP), and calving interval (CI). The results revealed that the AFC, NSPC, DOPN, and CI of crossbred cows (MO×HO) were significantly lower than those of pure HO cows. GP was numerically shorter in HO cows than in MO × HO crossbred cows. In both breeds, the NSPC was significantly lower in the winter than it was in the summer. During the summer season, pure HO cows had the longest DOPN. However, the shortest DOPN was recorded in MO × HO crossbred cows in the winter season. A significant difference between calving seasons was found with regard to the calving interval. MO × HO crossbred cows had a higher percentage of affected cows with retained placenta, endometritis, and repeat breeding than pure HO breeds. It was concluded that MO×HO crossbred cows had higher fertility than pure HO cows. Additionally, MO×HO crossbred cows were minimally affected during different seasons under Egyptian conditions. However, pure HO cows likely performed better than MO×HO crossbred cows in terms of reproductive disorders.