The effect of strain of Holstein-Friesian cow and feeding system on postpartum ovarian function, animal production and conception rate to first service

Three strains of Holstein-Friesian (HF): high production North American (HP), high durability North American (HD) and New Zealand (NZ) cows were assigned, within strain, to one of three pasture-based feeding systems: (1) the Moorepark (control) system (MP), (2) a high concentrate system (HC), (3) a high stocking rate system (HS). Ovarian function was assessed using milk progesterone samples, collected from 117 cows in each of two successive years, with 81 animals being common to both years. Milk samples were collected thrice weekly, beginning day 5 post-calving and continued to day 26 after first AI. Data from animals subsequent to reproductive hormonal treatment were removed from the analysis. Feed system and strain of HF by feeding system interaction had no significant effect on re-establishment of ovarian activity and subsequent conception rate to first AI. Strain of HF had no significant effect on interval to commencement of luteal activity (CLA). The mean interval to CLA was 32.9 days (S.E. 1.18), ranged from 6 to 100 days, with 42 and 85% of cows ovulating by day 26 and 60, respectively. The HD (62%) and NZ (57%) strains had a higher conception rate to first AI than the HP strain (40%), (P < 0.05). Retrospective analysis categorised all cows into four quartiles based on interval to CLA (< 20 days, 20-26 days, 27-44 days and > 44 days). Cows in the first and fourth CLA quartiles had a longer calving to conception interval (P < 0.05). Cows with abnormal progesterone profiles (38.4%) had an earlier mean calving date, with a similar submission rate and conception rate to first service compared to cows with normal hormonal profiles. There was no significant difference in luteal activity or reproduction performance, apart from calving to conception interval, between cows that conceived or did not conceive to first service. These results indicate that while conception rate to first service differed between strains of HF cow, this was not associated with differences in the onset and pattern of luteal activity post partum.