Comparison of crossbred and purebred Holstein cows during the transition period
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20123915Keywords:
purebred, crossbred, dairy cattle, heterosis, immunity, postparturient, dry matter intake, metaboliteAbstract
Since the early 1900s, scientists have been comparing phenotypic characteristics of purebred and crossbred dairy cows in an attempt to determine the advantages of heterosis. However, the benefit of heterosis on the immune system has not been investigated during the transition period in lactating dairy cows. Innate immunity during the transition period (three weeks pre- to three weeks postpartum) plays a critical role on the postparturient health of dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to compare dry matter intake (DMI), metabolite concentration, innate immunity, and postpartum health of purebred Holstein (HO) and Montbeliarde-sired crossbred (MS) cows.