Research makes all the difference.

  • One of the most important conclusions of the University of Minnesota study is that ProCROSS cows remain in the herd for 147 more days than their Holstein herd mates. Longevity is a good indicator of profitability for commercial dairy farms and an extra 147 days means 147 more days of production.

  • ProCROSS cows have 15–20 fewer days open during their first three lactations compared to Holsteins, reducing insemination costs and extending herd life, resulting in more fertile, profitable, and manageable cows, with findings based on third-generation ProCROSS data.

  • ProCROSS cows maintain a more stable body weight throughout lactation, using feed more efficiently than Holsteins, which often lose condition by converting body fat into milk; research shows ProCROSS cows achieve 8% greater feed efficiency, producing more milk solids per kilogram of dry matter intake.

  • ProCROSS cows exhibit a +9 to +10 point higher first service conception rate in 2nd and 3rd lactations than Holsteins, resulting in lower insemination costs, fewer days open, longer herd life, and improved fertility for greater profitability, with the latest findings based on third-generation ProCROSS cows.

  • ProCROSS crossbred cows have a 16% higher cull value than their Holstein herd mates, reflecting greater durability and productivity. Their superior health, fertility, and longevity result in more robust, marketable animals at culling, offering dairymen improved performance during their productive years and higher returns when cows exit the herd, boosting overall profitability.

  • ProCROSS cows consistently outperform Holsteins in fat and protein percentages, with protein increases of +0.10 to +0.22 and fat increases of +0.10 to +0.20 across all generations. They match Holsteins in total fat and protein production while benefiting from higher conception rates, fewer days open, and reduced insemination costs, resulting in longer herd life and greater overall efficiency.

  • ProCROSS cows consistently outperform Holsteins in fat and protein percentages, with protein increases of +0.10 to +0.22 and fat increases of +0.10 to +0.20 across all generations. They match Holsteins in total fat and protein production while benefiting from higher conception rates, fewer days open, and reduced insemination costs, resulting in longer herd life and greater overall efficiency.

  • Across their lifetimes, ProCROSS cows produce slightly less daily fat and protein (-1%) compared to Holsteins but offset this with higher fat and protein percentages, improved fertility, fewer days open, and lower insemination costs. These advantages contribute to longer herd life and comparable overall fat and protein production across generations.

  • Holstein, VikingRed and Montbeliarde produces daily profits which are, on average, 9-13%, greater than those from pure Holstein. The financial advantage was demonstrated to come from a wide range of factors including greater lifetime weights of fat and protein, better fertility, fewer health treatments, higher calf and cull values, and improved rates of survival.

Proven. Profitable. Progressive.

Capturing and maintaining heterosis is essential for an effective crossbreeding program. The heterosis effect delivers significant advantages, but it’s crucial to preserve it above 75%. Using only two breeds reduces heterosis to 50% by the second generation, stabilizing at 67% in subsequent generations. While a four-breed system can achieve 93% heterosis, it is challenging to find four complementary, unrelated breeds capable of maintaining high milk production. ProCROSS, a three-breed rotation, strikes the ideal balance, sustaining an average heterosis of 86% throughout the program.

The ProCROSS system features VikingRed, Montbéliarde by Coopex, and Holstein, identified as the most efficient combination during the initial trials in California. At the time, numerous breeds were tested for crossbreeding, but the internationally dominant Holstein remained central to all programs. Breeds like Norwegian Red and Brown Swiss were considered but fell short in production or vitality. Montbéliarde and VikingRed emerged as the top choices, complementing Holstein with superior functional traits, including health, longevity, robustness, and fertility, while ensuring high production levels. These findings were later confirmed through studies showing ProCROSS cows outperforming pure Holstein herds.

Journal of Dairy Science, Research Article: Herd life, lifetime production, and profitability of Viking Red-sired and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred cows compared with their Holstein herdmates.

ProCROSS cows have different strengths: Fertility, Health, Cull Value, Efficiency, Longevity and Lifetime Profit.

These advantages were identified in the most important scientific study into crossbreeding dairy cattle yet undertaken. The study was led by Professor Les Hansen from the University of Minnesota and its results were published in July 2019.

Its conclusions included the following:

“When all the benefits are combined, the ProCROSS cow delivers 33% more profit than the pure Holstein in her lifetime. This is because she is easier to manage and costs less to keep for the same level of performance. When looking at lifetime production, the ProCROSS is the kind of cow farmers want in their herds.”

Source : Journal of Dairy Science, January 14, 2021