Comparative performance of six holstein-friesian X guzera crossbred groups in Brazil: health costs of calves

ABSTRACT

Costs of drugs for pneumoenteritis and plasmosis treatment were evaluated in 614 bucket reared female calves of six Holstein-Friesian (HF) x Guzera crossbred groups (1/4 to > 31/32 HF gene fraction). Important heterosis effects resulted in lowest health costs for F(l) (US$ 4.33 per calf) and highest costs for > 31132 HF calves (US$ 8.01).