Holstein or Montbeliarde: from phenotypic differences to economic consequences at the farm level

Abstract

In an unstable economic context while restructuring dairy farms, the choice of breed can be questioned. In this article, the phenotypic differences between Montbéliarde and Holstein breeds are quantified through a literature review and the analysis of two dairy farm databases. In similar production contexts, Montbéliarde cows produce around 12% less milk than Holstein cows but milk with higher fat and protein content. Age at first calving of Holstein cows is 3 months earlier in average than the Montbéliarde cows but with poorer reproduction performance (interval between calving 25 days longer) and more frequent mastitis. Then, bio-economic modelling (Orfée, developed by INRA) highlights the economic consequences of the choice of breed at the farm level, in two possible scenarios with equivalent forage systems: S1) with the same number of cows and S2) with the same quantity of milk sold. These scenarios are applied to three conventional farm types contrasted by their forage systems and milk production per cow (maize silage in Bretagne, maize and grass in Pays-de-la-Loire, hay in Cantal). In the S2 scenario, the Montbéliarde breed is more cost-effective regardless of the farm type, whereas in the S1 scenario, economic results are close between breeds. Gross operating surpluses are 2 to 12% higher with the Montbéliarde breed. This difference is explained by greater feed needs in the Holstein herd, caused by a higher replacement rate and individual needs. Milk quality and enhanced carcass value counteract the lower dairy productivity of the Montbéliarde. Eventually, the use of the Montbéliarde breed in the herd pays up to 2 900 € more per man-work unit.