Reproductive Performance of Two and Three Way Crossed Cows

Abstract

Reproductive performance of Bos indicus breeds is lower than that of Bos taurus breeds. This low Performance could be improved through crossbreeding and maintaining heterosis. Two and three ways crossbreeding (Boran, Friesian and Jersey) study was carried out at Hoi eta Research Center. Data on 150 primiparous and 287 multiparous cows were used, to evaluate reproductive performances. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in age at first calving and number of services per conception between two and three breed crosses in primiparous and multiparous cows. Age at first calving and services per conception significantly (p<0.05) varied between exotic blood levels in two breed crosses. Reproductive performances of three ways crosses were similar to two way crosses, indicating that there will be no loss in reproductive performances while using three ways crossing to maintain productivity heterosis achieved in the two ways crossings.