Performance of 4- and 5- Year-Old Hereford, Hereford × Holstein and Holstein Cows on Range and in Drylot2

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Abstract
Performance of winter-calving 4- and 5-year-old Hereford, Hereford × Holstein (Crossbred) and Holstein cows under tall-grass native range and drylot confinement conditions was determined. Two levels (Moderate and High) of a 30% protein supplement were fed during the winter to groups of cows within each breed. A group of Holstein cows was fed an additional higher level of supplement (Very High). Drylot cows were fed cottonseed hulls and alfalfa hay as roughage sources to simulate seasonal changes in energy content of the diet of range cows. Estimated DE and DP intake within breed group increased with higher levels of winter supplementation.DE and DP intake also increased as percentage of Holstein breeding increased since forage intake was increased with higher milk production. High Crossbreds and Very High Holsteins consumed 17 and 45% more forage, respectively, than Moderate Here-fords. As milk intake of drylot calves increased, intake of DE and DP by calves increased despite decreased intake of creep feed. Generally, as level of supplement increased within breed group, winter weight loss decreased; Hereford cows on range were the single exception. All groups except Moderate and High Holsteins regained winter weight losses during the summer months. As the percentage of Holstein breeding increased, daily milk yields increased. Level of winter supplementation did not consistently influence level of milk yield or composition within breed. As milk intake and percentage of Holstein breeding increased, calf weaning weight increased. The number of Moderate and High Holstein cows exhibiting estrus and conceiving was low compared to other breed and supplement groups. Copyright © 1977. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1977 by American Society of Animal Science.

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