Abstract

Stocking rates for maximum production and economic performance of Holstein-Friesians and Jerseys were predicted by calculating response curves from the regression equations of stocking rate on cow performance. Holstein-Friesians produced higher yields, gross milk incomes and net incomes per cow while Jerseys produced higher milkfat and protein yields, gross milk incomes and net incomes per ha when both breeds were stocked at the same liveweight or for maximum production or optimum economic performance. Maximum net income based on 1990/91 costs and prices occurred at 3.0 and 3.7 cows/ha for Holstein-Friesians and Jerseys respectively. At these stocking rates net income for Jerseys was 5% higher than for Holstein-Friesians.

DJ, Paterson, AJ Litherland, S-AN Newman, and DK Edmonds

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 51, , 429-436, 1991