Influence of Growth and Development Indicators of Holstein Heifers on Their Productivity After the First Calving
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study analyzed the impact of growth and development parameters of Holstein heifers on their subsequent productivity after the first calving. The material was based on records of first-calf cows (n = 570) raised at STOV “Promin” (Mykolaiv region). It was found that the live weight of heifers at birth had a statistically significant effect on the lactation duration (P = 0.047) and total milk yield per lactation (P = 0.002), whereas the relationship with the 305-day lactation yield was not significant (P = 0.162). The analysis showed no statistically significant effect of the average daily gain of heifers from birth to 90 days of age on lactation duration (P = 0.161), total lactation yield (P = 0.700), or 305-day yield (P = 0.413). The dependence of primiparous productivity indicators on live weight at 90 days of age also revealed no statistically significant influence on lactation duration (P = 0.826), total lactation yield (P = 0.487), or 305-day yield (P = 0.128). According to the results, the average daily gain of heifers from birth to insemination had no significant effect on lactation duration (P = 0.306), total lactation yield (P = 0.907), or 305-day yield (P = 0.935). The live weight of heifers at 250 days of age did not have a statistically significant effect on lactation duration (P = 0.141), total lactation yield (P = 0.220), or 305-day yield (P = 0.189). The average daily gain of heifers from birth to insemination had no significant effect on the duration of the dry period (P = 0.167) or the calving interval (P = 0.868). Similarly, the live weight of heifers at 250 days of age did not significantly affect the duration of the dry period (P = 0.278) or the calving interval (P = 0.374).
Author: Iryna LIUTA
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414207288