Holstein advantage in high input farms
Holstein advantage in high input farms
By Richard Allison
CURRENT profit-based bull selection indexes favour Holstein cows instead of Friesians, reducing the breeding options for producers with lower input systems.
There has been an increasing use of taller and thinner Holstein type cows in recent years, Imperial College researcher Geoff Pollot told the BSAS meeting. "But there is little on-farm data comparing the overall financial performance of both breeds."
In a MDC funded study of 1500 on-farm lactation records, there was little difference between Holstein and Friesian type breeds on financial performance in low input systems. "However, in higher input systems Holsteins had the advantage."
Dr Pollott believes this is due to their higher efficiency in converting energy into milk. "If Friesians were as efficient, they would be just as profitable in higher input systems."
Producers with lower inputsystems, such as organic units, should consider other breeds, which may be better adapted to these systems. "Friesians are often pushed less severely than Holsteins resulting in a longer life span and shorter calving intervals."
Indexes based on PIN will always favour Holstein type cows, as it doesnt include factors which Friesians are good at, such as lower replacement costs, higher milk quality and better fertility. There has been an attempt to include a measure of longevity with PLI, but this still favours Holsteins, he said.
The British Friesian Breeders Club want a separate index for their breed, but Dr Pollott believes it is possible to have a single index for both breeds. "However, it must include factors, such as fertility and cow size."
SELECTING B&W BULLS
• Friesians less efficient.
• Index favours Holsteins.
• More options for low input systems.