Comparison of F1 cows (North American Jerseys x Holsteins) with purebred Holsteins at a different milk production level

A comprehensive crossbreeding experiment with North American Jersey bulls and Holstein cows was initiated in Saxony and information of these animals is meanwhile available. Data of crossbred offspring of twelve North American Jersey bulls and their respective herd mates were used for analysing fertility, calving and production traits. With increasing production level of the herds (average milk yield of purebred Holsteins) the inferiority of the F-1 animals increased in milk yield. An interaction between herd milk production level and breed could be observed. F-1 cows were considerably better than the purebred Holsteins with respect to maternal calving traits.