# Bio-Economic Comparison of Pure Holstein, Simmental × Holstein, and Montbéliarde × Holstein Crossbred Dairy Cows

## TL;DR

This study compares the economic performance of pure Holstein and two crossbred dairy cow types, finding that crossbreeding improves profitability and calf growth.

## Contribution

A novel bio-economic model is used to compare profitability and productivity of different crossbred dairy cow systems.

## Key findings

- Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbreds had the highest milk income and overall profitability.
- Simmental × Holstein crossbreds had lower maintenance costs and higher calf sale profits.
- Crossbred calves had higher birth weights and faster growth rates compared to pure Holsteins.

## Abstract

Increasing productivity and profitability in dairy herds is a key goal for farmers. Crossbreeding Holstein cows with other breeds is a common strategy to achieve this. Three dairy cow groups of pure Holstein, Montbéliarde × Holstein, and Simmental × Holstein were evaluated in this study. Using a bio-economic simulation model, we estimated income, costs, and profitability for each group. The crossbreds of Montbéliarde × Holstein had the highest milk income and overall profit. Pure Holstein cows earned more from selling surplus female calves, while crossbred cows, particularly Simmental × Holstein, earned more from selling male calves and required lower maintenance costs. Crossbred cows also produced calves that grew faster and had higher birth weights. These findings suggest that strategic crossbreeding can improve both profitability and animal health, offering practical benefits for dairy cattle farmers.

The economic performance of Holstein, Montbéliarde × Holstein, and Simmental × Holstein cows was evaluated using a bio-economic model. The results showed differences in income and costs between crossbred and pure Holstein groups. The Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbreds had the highest milk income ($2223) and profitability ($1002) compared to the Simmental crossbreds and pure Holstein. In contrast, pure Holstein made the most money from selling extra heifers, while both crossbred groups, especially Simmental × Holstein, made more money from selling male calves. Crossbred systems had much lower annual maintenance costs. Simmental × Holstein had variable costs that were 22% lower than those of pure Holstein. Trait-based economic evaluations demonstrated that Montbéliarde crossbreds exhibited the highest economic value for milk production, while Simmental crosses were more susceptible to prolonged calving intervals. Both crossbred groups had higher birth weights and growth rates than Holstein cows. Overall, these results provide strong evidence that crossbreeding Holstein with Montbéliarde maximizes overall profitability, while Simmental × Holstein also offers notable economic benefits through reduced maintenance costs and improved growth performance.