Comparison of longevity and production traits of Holstein and Simmental cows of different origin in Slovenia

The aim of this research was to establish whether there are differences in the longevity and production characteristics within the studied breeds of cows of different origin. Holstein cows of Slovenian (461) and foreign (356) origin and Simmental cows of Slovenian (261) and foreign (43) origin were studied. Only culled animals that previously had between 1 and 9 lactations were included. The analyzed properties consisted of characteristics related to the longevity and lifetime productivity. Compared with Slovenian cows, imported Holstein cows had a significantly longer calving interval (1210±31 days, 1337±39 days, P=0.008), a longer dry period (172±6 days, 192±7 days, P=0.022), and a significantly lower daily milk yield (23.0±0.2 kg, 22.0±0.3 kg, P=0.002). Significant differences between Simmental cows of Slovenian and foreign origin were observed in functional productivity (1317±52 days, 1808±186 days, P=0.006), longevity (2175±53 days, 2701±145 days, P=0.004), and duration of lifetime lactation (990±38 days, 1265±137 days, P=0.037).