Profitability of Swedish Red and White × Holstein crossbred cows compared with purebred Holstein cows.

An economic analysis was performed using a bioeconomic simulation model based on production, reproduction and longevity indicators to compare the profitability (net income per cow) of Swedish Red and White × Holstein (S × H) cows and pure Holstein (H) cows in commercial dairy farms of the center-south of Córdoba province, Argentina. The reproductive events analyzed in the model were pregnancy, calving and abortion. The longevity events were culling, sale and death.

Fertility and survival of Swedish Red and White × Holstein crossbred cows and purebred Holstein cows.

Swedish Red and White × Holstein (S×H) cows were compared with pure Holstein (HOL) cows for fertility and survival traits in 2 commercial dairy farms in central-southern Córdoba province, Argentina, over 6 years (2008-2013). The following traits were evaluated: first service conception rate (FSCR), overall conception rate (CR), number of services per conception (SC), days open (DO), mortality rate, culling rate, survival to subsequent calvings, and length of productive life (LPL). The data set consisted of 506 lactations from 240 S×H crossbred cows and 1,331 lactations from 576 HOL cows.