Reproductive Behavior of Zebu and 5/8 Zebu x 3/8 Simmental Genotypes in Central Cuba Locations

Resumen

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the reproductive behavior of female Zebu and 5/8 Zebu x 3/8 Simmental on a genetic farm in the central region of Cuba. The research was made between 2010 and 2014. The individual records of 255 cows; 200 Zebus (106 white and 94 bermeja) and 55 crossbreds (5/8 Zebu x 3/8 Simmental) were included. The calving-first insemination interval (CFII), calving-gestation interval (SP), inter-calving period (CCI), and service per gestation (S/G) were calculated. Besides, the effects of genotype, parity, quarter and calving year were evaluated using the above indicators. The descriptive statistics were estimated, and a general linear model was used to determine the effects of each variation source. The three genotypes showed low reproductive efficiency, though slightly more favorable for 5/8 Zebu x 3/8 Simmental. The CFII, SP, and CCI were influenced (P <0.05) by the calving year, genotype, and parity, whereas SP was influenced by the calving quarter only (P <0.05). The gestation service was not affected by any factor. It was concluded that the three genotypes studied underwent severe deterioration of reproductive indicators, influenced by the genotype, quarter, calving year, and parity.