The twin calving and its connection to other economically important traits in dairy cattle

Gáspárdy, András and Sheridan, James and Ari, Melinda and Gulyás, László (2017) The twin calving and its connection to other economically important traits in dairy cattle. In: Ruminants - The Husbandry, Economic and Health Aspects. InTech, Rijeka. ISBN 978-953-51-5695-6 (In Press)

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Abstract

The occurrence of twin-calving in Holstein Friesian cattle is 3-5%. Reproductive problems found before and after the time of calving lead to serious economic losses. The aim of the authors was to form a compilation of data regarding the cause and effects of twin calving on dairy cows. Comparing the reproductive performance of cows before and after calving twins vs. single calves. Also analyzing the milk production of dairy cows both before and after twin calving. Cows that would twins became pregnant earlier; probably because of their better health and fertility, with shorter gestations and calving interval. However after calving cows that had twins showed poorer reproductive performance. The results show that twin-calving cows had better condition prior to calving, resulting in an earlier successful twin-calving. However the economic losses during parturition, metabolic disorders of the cow and low vitality of the twin calves, coupled with the decreased fertility and elevated culling rate in cows after twinning may discourage breeding twins in dairy cattle.

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