Factors Affecting Calving Interval in Italian Holstein-Friesian Heifers

Effect of rump conformation on calving interval of 520 Italian Holstein Friesian heifers was evaluated with simultaneous adjustment for herd, year of birth, calving month, age at first parturition, and milk production. All factors, except age at first parturition, were important sources of variation. Heifers with narrow rumps at the pins had the longest calving interval. There were significant differences among the herds. Cows born between 1979 and 1981 had shorter calving intervals, probably resulting from a national plan against bovine infertility initiated in 1981. Cows calving in July had better reproductive performance. There was positive relationship between milk production and calving interval.