A line up of Norwegian Red x Holstein crossbred cows. Photo: Elly Geverink
Profitable Dairy Crossbreeding with Norwegian Red
A crossbred cow is more profitable and easier to manage than her purebred herd mates and gives the commercial dairy farmer more income and leisure time. Better lives for farmers and cows!
Crossbreeding involves mating of individuals from different breeds or lines. The goal is to combine the best of two or more breeds. Commercial pig, beef and poultry production have relied on crossbreeding to improve mortality, fertility and disease resistance for decades. An increasing number of commercial milk producers worldwide are experiencing the same benefits with dairy crossbreeding.
Crossbreeding program
Effective crossbreeding begins with two different breeds that complement each other genetically. Dairy crossbreeding systems should make use of the number of breeds optimal for conditions at each specific dairy operation. Whether choosing a 2-way or 3-way cross each dairy farmer should make a plan and choose a crossbreeding system that suits their facilities, climate, milk market, nutritional regime and level of management.
Norwegian Red (NRF)
Norwegian Red is a high yielding dairy breed developed in Norway. The breeders have strongly emphasized health and fertility traits for over thirty years. Positive genetic trends for health and fertility, as well as production, have been possible due to the very comprehensive data collection system in Norway together with large daughter groups (minimum 200) in each bull's first proof.
Functionality has been a focus for Norwegian Red breeders for 75 years. The breed fits well into all crossbreeding programs and will give dairy farmers "a cow that works" – giving farmers less expenses and more free time.
NRF in international crossbreeding trials
Testing of Norwegian Red outside of Norway has over time become very extensive.
For many years there has been ongoing research trials in various countries; e.g. USA (California), Ireland (Moorepark) and Canada, comparing NRF with Holstein, NRF x Holstein crosses and other breeds.
With more than 10 000 NRF crosses in lactation we know that crossing with NRF contributes to more profit than pure Holstein for the commercial dairy farmer internationally. NRF crosses give the same production income, but lower production costs (better fertility, less diseases, easier calvings, better longevity and better feet and legs) meaning higher net profit per litre of milk. The trials show that net income per litre of milk is 15-20 percent higher compared to pure Holstein.
International distributors of Norwegian Red