Livability of Purebred vs. Crossbred Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
Death losses among 1st generation heifers and cows (purebred Holsteins and Guernseys and 2 groups of reciprocal crossbreds) and 2d generation heifers (purebred Holsteins and Guernseys and 3/4-Holsteins and 3/4-Guernseys) were analyzed. Only those causes of death were included which were considered to reflect on the viability, or show a possible sign of weakness of a breed group. Losses in the 1st generation prior to calving amounted to 23% of the purebreds and 11% of the crossbreds, (P< .10), and in the 2d generation, 19.5% of the purebreds and 7% of the 3/4-breds, (P< .02). A significantly lower death rate, (P<.05), was found in the crossbred group in both generations between the ages of birth and 12 months. Among 1st generation cows that calved at least once, 17 out of 48 pure- bred cows (35%) and 8 out of 52 crossbred cows (15%) (P< .025) died or were removed from the herd for causes reflecting on the viability of a breed group. The analysis (by the method of least squares) indicated no genetic relationship between level of milk production and livability and emphasized the importance of improving the livability of dairy cattle so that more discretion can be exercised by the dairyman in culling his cows. Other studies have indicated little hope for improving livability characteristics of dairy cattle by mass selection. However, the results of this study indicate that crossbreeding dairy cattle may provide a means for immediate and marked improvement.

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