Reproductive performance parameters of holstein friesian cows prior to twin-calving

Ari, Melinda and Eßmeyer, Claudia and Vincze, Boglárka and Gulyás, László and Gáspárdy, András (2017) Reproductive performance parameters of holstein friesian cows prior to twin-calving. ÁLLATTENYÉSZTÉS ÉS TAKARMÁNYOZÁS, 66 (2). pp. 120-132. ISSN 0230-1814

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Abstract

The occurrence of twin-calving in the Holstein Friesian cattle breed is between 3-5%. In largescale farming, the reproductive problems around and after the time of calving, like higher mortality of the progenies and the involuntary culling can cause serious economic losses. The aim was to analyse and compare the reproductive performances before calving of cows with twins and single calves. There has not been any significant difference between the values of ages at first breeding, at first conception or at first calving. For the calving to service interval before the actual calving no significant differences have been found between the two cow groups. Significant difference has been found in the length of open days before calving. This period of time was shorter in twinning cows than in cows with single birth before calving. Those cows that had twins became pregnant easier and more successfully, probably because of their better health and reproductive status. Their gestation period was shorter as well, and their calving interval was more favourable (shorter) too. As future twin-calving cows needed less time for regeneration, shown more successful conception (those cows also had shorter open days period), moreover, their gestation period was shorter than cows with single birth. The complexity of these factors resulted in shorter calving intervals in twiners. According twin-calving cows were definitely in better health- and reproductive status prior to calving.

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