The objective of this study was to compare fertility, longevity, milkability, and profitability of cows from the Reggiana and Holstein breeds in northern Italy. Profitability was gauged for each breed, with consideration of economic incentive programs and alternative milk pricing systems. Calving to first service interval, days open and calving interval were significantly shorter in Reggiana than in Holstein cows. Reggiana cows conceived approximately one oestrus cycle before Holstein and showed a calving interval 28 days shorter. Holstein cows released a significant higher quantity of milk per unit of time (1.81 vs. 1.28 kg/min). Reggiana cows showed longer expected total and productive lives than Holstein cows, by 10.5 and 12.6 months respectively. Replacement rate was 32% higher in the Holstein. Standard 305-d milk production was 5,360 and 7,870 in Reggiana and Holstein respectively. Comparing breeds on annual milk and meat production, instead of standard 305-d milk yield, changed marginally difference in annual profitability between Reggiana and Holstein, from 696 to 687 Euro. Including feeding costs reduced the gap between breeds by 15%. When milking costs were considered, difference in profitability slightly increased because of the higher milking time of Reggiana cows. Adding longevity, measured as annual replacement costs, further reduced difference in profitability by 23%, lowering the initial value of 696 Euro, measured on standard 305-d milk yield, to 455 Euro. These differences in profitability assumed a pricing system referring to milk sold to the dairy industry where protein and fat contents are valued but not the breed origin of milk. Incentive payments to endangered cattle farming compensated partially (22%) the lower income from Reggiana cows. When Reggiana milk production was sold as branded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Reggiana cows were more profitable than Holstein cows, by 1,959 Euro per year.
Comparing local and commercial breeds on functional traits and profitability: the case of the Reggiana cattle.
Gustavo Gandini;Flavia Pizzi;
2007
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare fertility, longevity, milkability, and profitability of cows from the Reggiana and Holstein breeds in northern Italy. Profitability was gauged for each breed, with consideration of economic incentive programs and alternative milk pricing systems. Calving to first service interval, days open and calving interval were significantly shorter in Reggiana than in Holstein cows. Reggiana cows conceived approximately one oestrus cycle before Holstein and showed a calving interval 28 days shorter. Holstein cows released a significant higher quantity of milk per unit of time (1.81 vs. 1.28 kg/min). Reggiana cows showed longer expected total and productive lives than Holstein cows, by 10.5 and 12.6 months respectively. Replacement rate was 32% higher in the Holstein. Standard 305-d milk production was 5,360 and 7,870 in Reggiana and Holstein respectively. Comparing breeds on annual milk and meat production, instead of standard 305-d milk yield, changed marginally difference in annual profitability between Reggiana and Holstein, from 696 to 687 Euro. Including feeding costs reduced the gap between breeds by 15%. When milking costs were considered, difference in profitability slightly increased because of the higher milking time of Reggiana cows. Adding longevity, measured as annual replacement costs, further reduced difference in profitability by 23%, lowering the initial value of 696 Euro, measured on standard 305-d milk yield, to 455 Euro. These differences in profitability assumed a pricing system referring to milk sold to the dairy industry where protein and fat contents are valued but not the breed origin of milk. Incentive payments to endangered cattle farming compensated partially (22%) the lower income from Reggiana cows. When Reggiana milk production was sold as branded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Reggiana cows were more profitable than Holstein cows, by 1,959 Euro per year.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
