In a year in which the milk quota system disappeared and heated debate raged on manure legislation, the CRV annual statistics for 2015 reveal that the longevity of Dutch cows has remained stable and the economic performance has increased.
The average production of Holsteins now stands at 9,770 kg 4.28% fat and 3.51% protein in 355 days, while Red & White Holsteins now average 8,972 kg 4.49% fat 3.60% protein in 349 days. The average lifetime production for Holsteins remains the same as in 2014 at 30,868 kg of milk (table 1 & table 3). The average calving interval was reduced by one day to 415 days, continuing a trend of the past 5 years to a shorter calving interval (table 2).
Breed average
The appendix (table 2) shows the average production for Dutch Holstein Friesians – the main dairy breed milked by producers in the Netherlands.
Black-and-white Holsteins top the list with an average production of 9,770 kg of milk, with 4.28% fat and 3.51% protein in 355 days. They are followed by red-and white Holsteins with an average production of 8,972 kg of milk with 4.49 % fat and 3.60% protein in 349 days
