Milk yield, reproductive performance and milk composition across crossbreeding levels in dairy cows from the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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Résumé

The milk production and reproductive performance of crossbred cows under tropical conditions in the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou were assessed in two phases from February to December 2023. The first phasecomprised interviews with 60 dairy farmers to evaluate the reproductive and dairy performance of crossbredcows. The second phase was a field trial at a research station to evaluate the effects of crossbreeding levels,including first (F1/G1) and second (F2/G2) generations, on dairy performance and milk chemicalcomposition. The animals were crossbreeds obtained through progressive absorption crossing between localzebu breeds (Fulani, Goudali and Azawak) and exotic dairy breeds (Montbeliarde, Holstein, Brown Swiss andTarentaise). All producers reported that the crossbred cows had adapted to local climatic conditions, and76.66% of farms practiced controlled breeding through artificial insemination. F1 crossbred cows producedmean yields of 5.70 ± 0.75, 6.23 ± 0.87 and 8.80 ± 0.80 L/day for Montbeliarde, Brown Swiss and Holsteincrosses, respectively. Mean milk yields for G2 cows ranged from 7.15 ± 0.98 to 13.82 ± 1.41 L/day. Acomparative analysis during the first six months postpartum showed lower milk production in G2 crossbreedswith 75% Brown Swiss blood than in second-generation crossbreeds with 75% Montbeliarde and 75%Holstein blood. According to live weight, mean daily milk production was 7.67 ± 1.19, 11.65 ± 0.91 and11.55 ± 0.95 L for heavier cows [450–550 kg [, [350–450 kg [ and lighter cows [250–350 kg [, respectively (p< 0.001). Protein, fat and total dry matter contents did not vary significantly by cross type. However, lactosecontent increased significantly between the first and second generations, with values of 4.42 ± 0.16 and 5.16 ±0.40 for Brown Swiss, 4.35 ± 0.58 and 4.99 ± 0.51 for Montbeliarde, and 4.16 ± 0.11 and 5.36 ± 0.41 forHolstein. Overall, G2 crossbreeds, especially those with 75% Holstein and Montbeliarde blood, achieved thehighest milk yields without adverse effects on milk composition. These results support controlledcrossbreeding and artificial insemination as strategies for improving dairy productivity in Burkina Faso.

Mots-clés

crossbred cattle; controlled reproduction; milk production; zebu; Ouagadougou; milk