Assessment of Fertility and Health Parameters of Purebred and Crossbred Dairy Cattle under an Intensive Production System

Abstract

Intensive genetic selection in Holstein-Friesian cows has enhanced milk production but adversely impacted fertility, health, and genetic diversity. This research assessed the ProCross three-breed crossbreeding system (Holstein, Montbéliarde, and Swedish Red) on a commercial dairy farm in Hungary, utilizing 150 cows divided into purebred and crossbred groups. The results showed that crossbred cows had much better reproductive performance than purebred Holsteins. For example, they had earlier first service, shorter service periods, fewer open days, and shorter calving intervals. Crossbreeding also made the udder healthier, but the results for hoof health were mixed, especially in combinations of three breeds. Overall, the ProCross system showed clear benefits in terms of herd sustainability and reproductive efficiency, which supports its use in systems that produce a lot of milk.