Comparison of the performance of two multiparous continental genotypes in a hill suckler herd

Abstract

There is little published data on the detailed performance of continental genotypes as suckler cows in a hill environment. The work presented investigates further, aspects of reproductive performance and metabolic profiles published previously (Christensen et al 1994) and (Keatinge et al 1994), for an autumn calving herd, during the post-partum period.The herd consisted of 41 Piemontese X Holstein/Friesian (PXH/F) and 43 Simmental X Holstein/Friesian (SXH/F) cows which were grazed on upland pasture from May-September, with calving (second, @ approx. 3.5 years) from late September through October. The herd was housed in early November in a cubicle shed with barrier access to clamped grass silage, the calves had access to adjoining creep areas.