Background:

The association of trait heritability with milk production, breeding, and longevity, was thoroughly studied in the past decade. However, the efficiency of productive and reproductive performance is determined by the action of environmental factors and inappropriate husbandry. Therefore, the main reproductive indicators and environmental factors affecting cow genotypes Cuban Siboney and Cuban Mambí were evaluated at a genetic breeding company in central Cuba.

Methods:

The individual records of 618 females were processed between 2007 and 2010 (358 Cuban Mambí from six different herds, and 260 Cuban Siboney from four farms). The calving-first insemination service (CFIS) intervals, the calving-gestation (CG) interval, and the calving interval (CI) were determined. The effects of various factors on the reproductive indicators were estimated using a general linear model.

Results:

The farm factor had a significant influence (P<0.05) on CFIS, CG, and CI in both genotypes. Calving years had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on CFIS, CG, and CI, with the best results in 2009 and 2010. The best calving quarter for reproductive indicators was the July-August-September period, with a significant influence (P < 0.05) on CFIS, CG, and CI, in Cuban Mambí, whereas Cuban Siboney influenced CFIS.

Conclusions:

The two genotypes showed a remarkable deterioration of the reproductive indicators evaluated, particularly influenced by farm, and calving year and quarter.