Reproductive ability of Senepol crossbred cattle
The study was conducted to assess several reproductive indicators of crossbred heifers born from two crossbreeding combinations: Senepol bulls with Zebu crossbred and purebred Brahman cows, raised in households in Central region (Dak Lak) and southern region (Binh Duong provinces) of Viet Nam. Results from monitoring 40 F1 Senepol cattle, including 20 Se x LZ (Senepol x Zebu crossbred) and 20 Se x Br (Senepol x Brahman), showed that: the average age at first estrus of Senepol crossbred cows was 17.78 months (Se x Br: 18.43 months, Se x LZ: 17.14 months), and the average age at first insemination was 18.49 months (Se x Br: 19.04 months, Se x LZ: 17.95 months). There was a significant influence of breed on the age at first estrus and first insemination (P<0.05). The average first insemination weight of Senepol crossbred cows was 340.80 kg (Se x Br: 367.10 kg, Se x LZ: 314.55 kg). The average first calving weight of Senepol crossbred cows was 411.75 kg (Se x LZ: 391.85 kg, Se x Br: 431.65 kg). The average age at first calving was 28.31 months (Se x LZ: 28.88 months, Se x Br: 27.73 months). Se x Br cows had a later first calving age and higher first calving weight compared to Se x LZ. Breed significantly affected both the age and weight at first calving (P<0.05).
