Productive and reproductive capacities of first-calf cows Ayrshire depending on age and body weight at first fertilization
Abstract
The efficiency of dairy farming hinges on properly organized livestock reproduction. Farms use several indicators to assess herd reproduction, one of which is the age and live weight of heifers at their first fertilization. In this study, data from the zootechnical records of first-calf Ayrshire cows at the "Myrne" State Enterprise in the Poltava region of Ukraine were analyzed. The animals were divided into groups according to their age at insemination (under 14 months, 14 to 16 months, or over 16 months) and their live weight at insemination (under 370 kg, 370 to 400 kg, or over 400 kg). The analysis revealed that the first service period ( days open) was 95 days shorter for animals inseminated before 14 months of age compared to those inseminated at 16 months of age or older. First-calf heifers that were inseminated at an earlier age had a significantly lower milk yield per lactation compared to animals in other groups, by 1,326 – 1,463 kg. The duration of lactation explains this difference. Animals inseminated at up to 14 months of age with a live weight exceeding 400 kg had the shortest lactation and service periods. The lowest milk yield for the first lactation and the first 305 days of lactation was observed in animals inseminated at up to 14 months of age and weighing 370 – 400 kg. The longest first service period was characteristic of late-inseminated heifers with a high live weight. Heifers inseminated at an age younger than 14 months had the highest average daily gain from birth to 15 months. For heifers with a live weight of up to 370 kg, it was 800 g; for heifers with a live weight of 370-400 kg, it was 835 g; and for heifers with a live weight of more than 400 kg, it was 913 g. Intensive rearing of replacement heifers contributes to faster herd repr o duction and increases the profitability of dairy farming. Further research should determine the economic lifespan of cows based on the age of first insemination and first calving.References
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