Meat Production of Holstein Friesians in Comparison to Dutch Friesians and Dutch Red and White

Summary

At the moment Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls from North America are used quite extensively in the Dutch Friesian (DF) population. Some crossing with Red Holstein Friesian bulls is practised in the MRIJ population. Holstein Friesians are used in both breeds to quickly improve milk yield and udders. From a breed comparison study it can be concluded that the Holstein Friesian genes will have a negative influence on the slaughter quality of the DF animals (dressing percentage, fleshiness, percentage of saleable meat) in all three types of meat production: slaughter cows, beef bulls and veal calves. In the MRIJ population the negative influence of the Holstein Friesian genes will be more pronounced on slaughter quality and also feed conversion will be influenced unfavourably. The differences in the slaughter value of cows between the HF, DF and MRIJ population are rather small and are of minor importance, because they have to be spread over 5 years. The differences between these breeds in the value of the newborn bull calves are rather large and are of importance, because they will return on average each two years on a cow basis,