4.2. Effect of altitude and soil erosion indicators on perceived numerical parameters of cattle performance
For most parameters of cattle performance, the LAR scored worse in comparison to the other regions (Table 2). The HAR showed the best performance, whereas the MAR was either similar to the HAR or intermediate for the calculated parameters. Calving interval, number of days open and milk yield were not significantly different between altitude regions (P > 0.05). In contrast, cows from the LAR were on average four and seven months older at first calving and had a clearly decreased lactation length (P < 0.001). Total milk yield and the reproductive lifespan of the cows decreased with altitude and/or eroded areas. Also, the draft lifespan of oxen gradually decreased with altitude (P < 0.001).