Desempenho reprodutivo e produtivo de vacas holandesas criadas em sistema Compost Barn

Abstract

The Compost Barn system has stood out as an alternative for intensive housing for dairy cattle, combining animal welfare and high productive potential. This study aimed to analyze the reproductive and productive indices of Holstein cows raised in this system, relating production level to reproductive efficiency and comparing it with the literature. The study was conducted on a dairy farm in the state of Goiás, through the analysis of retrospective zootechnical data from 64 lactating Holstein cows, from October 2023 to January 2026. The animals were distributed into three groups according to production at the physiological peak: group 1 (sick animals and low production, below 25 L), group 2 (medium production, between 25 and 40 L) and group 3 (high production, above 40 L). Reproductive parameters – calving interval (CI), days open, number of services per conception, and voluntary waiting period (VWP) – and productive parameters – total milk production per lactation, average monthly milk production, and length of lactation – were evaluated. Group 3 presented the best indicators, with an average CI of 398 days, days open of 122 days, and VWP of 62 days, higher total milk production per lactation (12,471 liters), and a shorter average length of lactation (333 days). The results reveal that, under the evaluated conditions, high-producing cows were able to express productive and reproductive efficiency simultaneously, diverging from the antagonism described in the literature. The system may have favored the reduction of negative postpartum energy balance, contributing to an early return to reproductive activity.