Vergleich von neuseeländischen und „einheimischen“ Holsteinkühen in erster Laktation unter Vollweide auf einem Biobetrieb

Summary

Cow types adapted to forage-based production systems are of particular interest for
organic milk production, because of the limited use of additives (concentrates, pharmaceuticals
etc.). The objective of this project was to study the aptitude of New Zealand
Holstein cows (HNZ) to produce milk in a pasture-based production system with a
shortened calving season (February to mid April) under organic conditions. 11 HNZ
were compared 2007 to 11 farm-bred, “Swiss” Holstein cows (HCH), all of them during
their first lactation, in a rotational pasture system on the organic farm “l’Abbaye” in
Sorens (CH). With an average live weight (LW) at the beginning of 469 kg and a
height at withers (WH) of 130 cm the HNZ were considerably smaller compared to HCH
with 609 kg LW and 147 cm WH. During the first lactation the HNZ gained more body
mass (63 kg vs. 24 kg, P < 0.03) and had a higher average body condition score (3.03
vs. 2.77, P < 0.04). The milk production per HNZ was lower by 1000 kg milk (P < 0.004)
respectively 800 kg energy-corrected milk (ECM) (P < 0.02). No differences were
detected between the two cow types concerning the ECM production per 100 kg
metabolic weight. Milk protein and lactose contents were significantly higher for HNZ
and milk fat content was not significantly different. The somatic cell counts were similar
for both types. Although the adaptation period on farm for HNZ had been short, they
produced the same amount of ECM per kg metabolic weight and gained more body
mass compared with HCH.