Fertility benefits and hybrid vigor with accurate pregnancy detection equates crossbreeding success with Fleckvieh
Check out the below article on blood test for pregnancy diagnosis:
https://www.dairyherd.com/news/dairy-production/holistic-approach-blood-based-pregnancy-testing
It makes sense to look at early preganancy diagnosis especially on large dairies to resource vet manpower better. Using sexed semen may yield better fertility as well. This method creates a steady stream of females to become milking cow inventory. It does lead producers down the path of choosing beef semen as a terminal cross. This is because there are too many females.
Knowing that Fleckvieh is a dual purpose breed and using conventional semen – using the hybrid vigor of crossbreeeding brings several different advantages to the table ( some are intangible benefits that only “click” after long term breeding)
Results of use of conventional Fleckvieh semen:
#1. Higher priced marketable bull calves
#2. Cows with more lactations – less inbreeding coefficient
#3. Rewards of genetic progress and herd improvement (focus on feet and legs and components)
#4. High slaughter yield on healthy cull cows (42% – 58 %).
#5. Hybrid vigor with use of Fleckvieh semen on other breeds of cattle
The below pictures show that difference in stature, frame and body condition with Fleckvieh:
The below picture shows more finer and therefore less hardy dairy cow:
A much more finer framed cow with less substance
About The Author
