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Earlville, NY | Breeding about a quarter of our virgin heifers to sexed Jersey. Breeding the crosses back to Holstein, we tried a number of 3 ways over the years, decided to stick with just the Jersey. Started 10 years ago to get some hybrid vigor and was worried about in breeding in the Holstein studs. Got more serious 5 years ago after becoming more and more convinced the crosses are more efficient. We breed the crosses back to Holstein for 3 to 4 generations then will go to Jersey again. The 1st gen crosses make more components than straight Holstein in their 1st and 2nd lactation, Holstein usually catch up by 3rd. Crosses have much better conception rates as well. Overall our herd makes a lot of components, and I feel they do it much more efficiently feed - wise compared to pure Holstein. We're about 22% first generation cross, about 50% of total herd is 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen crosses. Don't keep track of them after the 4th gen. Currently milking 85 lbs on 3x, 4.5% fat, 3.25% protein, 53 lbs of DMI at 60% forage.
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