Norwegian-bred cows could be a better bet over Holstein
Norwegian-bred cows could be a better bet over Holstein
By Wendy OwenNorth-east correspondent
WHILE Norwegian-bred cows gave 2kg/day less milk than Holstein Friesians, their fertility levels were 15% higher in a trial in Northern Ireland.
At the end of his study, Andrew Crawford, of the Agricultural Research Institute, Hillsborough, found that 78% of Norwegian cattle were confirmed in calf, compared with just 63% of the black-and-whites. Both groups were tested for 23 days during the grazing period.
"Holstein Friesians are good at producing milk, but health and fertility are now seen as major problems. Although they give less milk, Norwegian animals could prove to be more economic on grass-based systems because of their better fertility results," he said.
"Norwegian cattle have been selected for a number of different traits, including fertility and disease resistance. We want to find out whether they have a place in UK milk production. We have already crossed the two breeds to produce a hybrid animal, so we can also monitor its performance."
Further work comparing the two breeds at grass had shown no difference in milk response following a decrease in stocking density. Stocking rates of 4 cows/ha (1.6 cows/acre) and 6 cows/ha (2.4 cows/acre) were tried, with each group of cows offered a flat rate of 3kg of concentrate feed/day.
On average, when Holstein Friesian cattle moved from the higher to the lower stocking rate they responded by giving 2kg more milk a day. The Norwegian cattle grazing alongside them reacted in a similar way, giving 1.8kg/day more milk at a lower stocking density.
"Norwegian cattle also had higher body condition scores than the Holstein Friesians, both at the start and at the end of the trial," said Mr Crawford.
"This confirmed what we expected – which was that Holstein Friesians put more energy into milk production, while the Norwegian cattle convert a larger percentage of their food into body fat."
NORWEGIAN COWS
• Good fertility results.
• Give less milk.
• More food into body fat.