The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the non-lactating period (NLP) length on the subsequent calving ease and reproductive performance of the purebred Holstein (HO), Brown Swiss (BS) and F 1 crosses (BF) of these breeds. The NLP length was classified into four categories: D 1 : <45d; D 2 : 45–60d; D 3 : 60–75d; and D 4 : >75d. The lesser incidence of calving difficulty in the purebred HO and BF crossbred cows was recorded at D 3 , with no significant differences with D 2 [11.6% and 9.5%; Crude Odds Ratio (COR)=1.10 and 0.84, respectively]. However, the minimum incidence of calving difficulty in the purebred BS cows was at the same NLP length with significant differences with D 2 (3.8%; COR=0.31). All reproductive indices of the purebred HO cows were less as the NLP length increased. However, lesser estimates of calving interval and days non-pregnant in purebred BS and BF crossbred cows were recorded at longer (D 3 ) NLP (350 and 328d; 112 and 133d, respectively). Purebred HO cows had decreased milk production at extremely short (D 1 ) and long (D 4 ) NLP. Purebred BS cows, however, were more persistent in milk production and had more consistent body condition scores (BCS). In conclusion, shortening the NLP of the purebred HO cows in addition to making minimum changes in diet composition could be an appropriate solution for improving reproduction. Purebred BS and BF crossbred cows were more persistent in milk production and tolerated the diet changes during the NLP.