Milk Yield, Reproductive Performance and Milk Composition Across Crossbreeding Levels in Dairy Cows from the Peri-Urban Area of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

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 phase comprised interviews with 60 dairy farmers to evaluate the reproductive and dairy performance of crossbred cows. 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 chemical composition. The animals were crossbreeds obtained through progressive absorption crossing between local zebu breeds (Fulani, Goudali and Azawak) and exotic dairy breeds (Montbeliarde, Holstein, Brown Swiss and Tarentaise). All producers reported that the crossbred cows had adapted to local climatic conditions, and 76.66% of farms practiced controlled breeding through artificial insemination. F1 crossbred cows produced mean yields of 5.70 ± 0.75, 6.23 ± 0.87 and 8.80 ± 0.80 L/day for Montbeliarde, Brown Swiss and Holstein crosses, respectively. Mean milk yields for G2 cows ranged from 7.15 ± 0.98 to 13.82 ± 1.41 L/day. A comparative analysis during the first six months postpartum showed lower milk production in G2 crossbreeds with 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 and 11.55 ± 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, lactose content 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 for Holstein. Overall, G2 crossbreeds, especially those with 75% Holstein and Montbeliarde blood, achieved the highest milk yields without adverse effects on milk composition. These results support controlled crossbreeding and artificial insemination as strategies for improving dairy productivity in Burkina Faso.