Breeds of cows: description, characteristics, features

India is considered the first territory where cattle were domesticated . It happened over 8000 years ago. The first cows were not very pleased with milk yield - about 500 kg of milk per year. Thanks to centuries-old selection, new breeds have appeared. Record cows today are capable of producing up to 20 tons of excellent quality milk with high fat content per lactation. The average figure for dairy breeds is considered to be 5000 kg milk yield.

Cattle breeds

Today in the world there are up to 1200 breeds of cows. The classification is based on animal productivity. It depends on the specialization of animals. This is reflected in the appearance of the cows, their ability to "pay" for the feed either with high average daily gains or good milk yields. What are the breeds of cows? They are divided into three groups:

• Meat cows. The purpose of breeding is to obtain meat. Animals are distinguished by a powerful physique, a high percentage of slaughter meat, and the ability to quickly gain live weight. The most popular breeds: Hereford, Charolais, Aberdeen-Angus, Kazakh, Limousine.
• Dairy cows. From representatives of this group receive maximum milk yield. The main breeds of dairy cows from those that are bred in the territory of the former Soviet Union: Ayrshire, Holstein, Kholmogorsk, black-motley.
• Cows double productivity. Universal animals, have good and dairy, and meat performance. The predominance of a particular type of animal products is determined by the breed. Inside the group are divided into meat and dairy and dairy and meat. However, it is worth noting that in terms of productivity they are inferior to specialized dairy or meat breeds. These include: Kostroma, Bestuzhev, Schwyz, Simmental.

Signs of dairy breeds

Consider the structural features of the body of dairy cows. Their description, according to the standards, is as follows:

• the type of build is lean, the muscles are poorly developed;
• the backbone is light;
• the body has an elongated shape in the form of a triangle (slightly flattened from the sides), its base is the back of the animal;
• the head is light;
• thin delicate skin;
• the back is straight;
• chest is deep;
• legs are high;
• long movable neck (it is noted that the presence of skin folds indicates a high productivity of the animal);
• well developed heart, lungs and digestive system;
• have a calm, balanced disposition.

The main task in breeding dairy animals is to get the maximum amount of milk from a cow. Therefore, one of the most important signs of animal selection is the correct structure of the udder. It should have a bath-like or cup-shaped shape. Volume - not less than 110 cm, depth - from 25 cm. On it, visible veins should clearly be visible. A well-developed milk well (it is located at the junction of the udder with the body) indicates good animal productivity. Through it, blood is pumped into the udder. The shape of the nipples is finger-shaped, of the same length. This is especially important for machine milking. Ideally the same udder lobes do not exist, usually the rear ones are larger than the front ones.

Selection

Selection work is carried out constantly - there is no limit to perfection. The purposeful selection of animals for reproduction, and then the selection of pairs for fixing or improving a particular trait is the main goal of breeding. This ensures continuous improvement of the breed, valuable hereditary qualities are accumulated and consolidated in subsequent generations.

Features of the breeding of dairy cows are in the careful selection of animals for a number of indicators inherent in cattle in this direction of productivity. The main ones:

• Milk production. Milk yield is estimated for 305 days of lactation (or shortened - 280 days), while taking into account the age of the animal, breed, fat content of milk, protein content. To ensure that the assessment is objective, it is carried out under normal conditions of feeding and maintenance and for several lactations.
• Origin. Pay attention to the productivity of their ancestors, especially in the first two generations. It is preferable to select animals of proven lines and families. On the part of the father, productivity indicators should be higher. Take into account the number of highly productive individuals in the pedigree up to the V generation.
• Exterior. They focus on articles related to animal productivity and health. Dairy breeds differ in the type and size of the udder, the right nipples, the depth of the chest, the development of the abdominal cavity. The severity of the breed affiliation of the individual also matters. With a 10-point assessment of animals, 2 points go to the assessment of the legs (correct posture), 3 - to the general appearance (chest depth, type of body structure, etc.), 5 - to the udder.

Cow productivity is greatly influenced by such factors:

• Conditions of detention. A long pasture period has a beneficial effect on the increase in milk production. Stall content without free grazing, on the contrary, reduces them. In summer, the fat content of milk drops slightly due to the consumption of fresh grass and plentiful watering.
• Feeding. The proverb “Cow's milk in the tongue” is absolutely accurate. The quantity, fat content and organoleptic properties of milk depend on proper and balanced feeding with quality feed. Bad silo will convey its unpleasant smell and taste to milk.
• The age of the animal. The maximum productivity indicators fall on the 6-8th lactation. After that, it gradually decreases. Therefore, most farms specializing in the industrial production of milk, try to cull animals when they reach 7-8 years of age. Intensive farming methods force culling a little earlier. Animals are only 4-5 years old.

Ayrshire

In the territories of the former Soviet republics, both bred in the Soviet Union and foreign dairy breeds of cows are bred. Responses of private owners and farmers differ in the assessment of animals. Some prefer exclusively domestic breeds, others are sure that foreign ones are better.

The Ayrshire breed is one of the most popular. To create it, Scottish and English cattle were crossed, getting the desired type of cows for breeding. The names of the breeds whose blood flows in the veins of the Ayrshirs: Dutch, Alderney, Teesweater and Flemish. Pedantic purposeful crossbreeding made it possible in the 19th century to obtain the desired type of animals.

Brief description of the breed:

1. Appearance. The backbone is very strong, light, physique - proportional. Muscles have a medium development. The chest is deep. The head is small, decorated with large lyre-shaped light horns. The neck is thin, usually with skin folds. Legs are low, correctly set. The udder is bowl-shaped, well developed, middle nipples usually spaced at the ideal interval (for machine milking). The skin is thin, the color is red-motley with various options: almost completely white, almost completely red, even distribution of red and white spots.

Average animal measurements:

• 1.22-1.24 m - height at the withers;
• 1.65-1.75 m - chest circumference;
• 1.45-1.55 m - oblique body length;
• 0.15-0.7 m - metacarpus circumference.

2. Productivity. The average productivity is 4-5 tons of milk with an average fat content of 4.1-4.3%. The mass of adult animals: cows - 410-500 kg, bulls - up to 700-800 kg. Slaughter yield does not exceed 55%. The weight of newborn calves ranges from 25-30 kg.

3. Pros and cons. It adapts perfectly to the harsh conditions of detention. She is bred in 23 regions of Russia, from Karelia to the Krasnodar Territory. They are characterized by high productivity, early maturity (cows can give milk from 2 years of age). Spoils the picture of their fearful, and sometimes aggressive nature. Animals do not tolerate dry, hot climates.

Holstein Dairy

The group of the best breeds of dairy cows includes Holstein. Bred in the vastness of America and Canada. Breeders sought to get strong cattle with high yields. In 1861, the black-and-white Holstein-Friesian breed was approved , in 1983 it was renamed Holstein.

Description of the breed:

1. Appearance. A large, wide body with medium muscular muscles. Body shapes are angular. Properly set strong limbs, joints are well defined. Head slightly elongated. The chest is long, deep. The belly is voluminous, but not saggy. The udder is cup-shaped (in 95% of cows), wide, voluminous, with large conical nipples. The suit is black and motley.

Measurements:

• 1.35-1.45 m - height at the withers;
• 1.97-2.01 m - chest circumference;
• 1.52-1.63 m - oblique body length;
• 0.18-0.20 m - metacarpus circumference.

2. Productivity. Holstein dairy cows produce an average of 6.5-7 tons of milk per year, fat content - 3.6-3.9%. Adult animals reach a weight of 900-1200 kg - bulls, 650-700 kg - cows. The yield of pure meat is up to 55%. Calves at birth weigh 43-48 kg.

3. Advantages and disadvantages. They have excellent health, adapt perfectly to different climatic conditions. A warm marine climate favorably affects productivity, up to 10 tons of milk can be obtained from an animal. Tidy, affectionate animals. Bulls are often used for breeding other breeds. Holstein can not be attributed to economical animals. They eat a lot, require a balanced diet and high-quality feed. A spacious clean stall is a must.

Black and white

One of the young dairy breeds, bred by Soviet breeders in the second half of the twentieth century. Ostfriesian and Dutch cattle took part in its creation. As a result of many years of selection, a strong, highly productive cow adapted to local conditions was obtained.

Description of the breed:

1. Appearance. The correct exterior, characteristic of the dairy type of animals. The body is deep and wide, strong constitution. The peritoneum is voluminous. The legs are smooth and strong. Head slightly elongated, horn of gray shade. The muscles are well developed. Large bowl-shaped udders, great for machine milking. The skin is thin. The suit is black and motley.

Measurements:

• 1.28-1.32 m - height at the withers;
• 1.70-1.90 m - chest circumference;
• 1.50-1.70 m - oblique body length;
• 0.18-0.20 m - metacarpus circumference.

2. Productivity. The average milk yield per breed reaches 5000 kg with a fat content of milk of 3.7-3.9%. From recorders inflate up to 8000 kg. The live weight of males reaches 800-1000 kg, black-and-white cows can have a maximum weight of 600 kg. Slaughter meat yield is 51-55%. Newborn calves weigh up to 42 kg.

3. Advantages and disadvantages. Animals are distinguished by excellent health, quick acclimatization, calm character. Quickly increase live weight. A successful combination of quality and quantity of products makes this breed profitable and very cost-effective. It should be borne in mind that cows are very demanding on the conditions of detention. Breeders today are working to improve animal productivity.

The vast territory of the USSR and the difference in climatic zones are the factors that led to the emergence of different groups of this breed of cows. Description of species common in the following regions:

• Central part of Russia (Central Russian). Animals are large, live weight of females - from 550 to 650 kg, males - more than 1000 kg. A great option not only for milk, but also for meat. Milk productivity - 8000 kg, fat content - 3.6-3.7%.
• Ural. Representatives of the local branch have a harmonious physique, dry and light constitution. Pedigree farms receive milk yield of 6-8 tons with a fat content of 3.8-3.9%.
• Siberia. According to live weight, the branch occupies a middle position between the two types described above. The live weight of the cows is 550-560 kg. Animals give 5500 kg of milk per lactation with a fat content of 4%.

Kholmogorsk

There are two versions regarding the origin of the Kholmogory breed of cows:

• local cattle were methodically improved by Dutch cattle;
• it is exclusively a local, native breed, without any rush of blood from outside.

The birthplace of the breed is considered the Arkhangelsk region, it appeared in the 18th century.

Description:

1. Appearance. Typical addition of dairy cows. The body is oblong, the chest is well developed. The head is small, slightly elongated. The legs are properly set with well-defined joints and tendons. Medium udder, uniform development of lobes, cylindrical nipples. The abdomen is round, voluminous. The muscles are medium developed. The skin is elastic, thin. The suit is black and motley.

Measurements:

• 1.30-1.35 m - height at the withers;
• 1.75-1.95 m - chest circumference;
• 1.55-1.70 m - oblique body length;
• 0,17-0,21 - m metacarpus circumference.

2. Productivity. The weight of calves at birth is within 32 kg. Adult animals weigh: bulls - 850-950 kg (upper bar - 1200), cows - 480-590 kg (maximum 800). Meat yield up to 60%. The average milk yield per breed is 3.6-5 tons, the fat content is 3.7-4.5%. From highly dairy animals receive up to 10 tons of milk per lactation.

3. Advantages and disadvantages. They have stable immunity, are well adapted to an unfavorable climate, even with poor feeding they are able to give decent milk yield. The flow of Holstein blood undermines health. Cross-breed animals are often forced to cull due to gynecological problems and limb diseases.

Simmental

The group of the most popular cattle breeds bred in the former Soviet republics includes Simmental. It is considered to be in the milk direction, but animals can be an excellent source of quality meat. Animals bred in Switzerland. Breeders worked to improve the local Scandinavian cow breeds.

Description:

1. Appearance. Animals have a powerful skeleton with well-developed muscles. The back is wide, the sacrum is sometimes slightly raised. The chest is deep, well developed. Head with a wide forehead. The udder is round in shape with large cone-shaped nipples. The skin is thick. Color varies from fawn to red. Tongue, eyelids and hooves are light pink.

Measurements:

• 1.35-1.40 m - height at the withers;
• 1.85-2.05 m - chest circumference;
• 1.60-1.65 m - oblique body length;
• 0.19-0.21 m - metacarpus circumference.

2. Productivity. The average calf weight is 45 kg. Adult bulls weigh 900-1000 kg, cows - up to 600 kg. Slaughter meat yield 55-60%. The average milk yield is 4-5 tons of milk, the average fat content is 4.1%. Often this figure reaches 5%.

3. Advantages and disadvantages. Very obedient and smart animals. They have strong immunity. They are characterized by ease of childbirth, mortality among newborns is very small. Easily adapt to a variety of conditions. Young growth gives good average daily gains. As a drawback, cases of the appearance of individuals with some exterior flaws are noted - incorrect setting of legs, sagging back and others. The udder can be developed unevenly.

Comparative characteristics

The table shows a comparative characteristic of the productivity of the most dairy breeds of cows described above.

The table shows the average indicators for breeds. Russian experts evaluated (on a 5-point scale) animals for their unpretentiousness to food and resistance to disease.

Curious facts

The best breeds of dairy cows are also distinguished by record levels. The largest amount of milk was obtained in 20 years from a Holstein cow. Her total milk yield amounted to an incredible 211 tons. Representatives of not the most dairy breeds are sometimes surprised. In Russia, 5,000 kg (an average of 3,500 kg) were fed from a Jersey cow, with an amazing fat content of 7%.

Surprise animals with their daily milk yield:

• Holstein breed - 110.9 kg (obtained from Ubre Blanca, Cuba, 1981);
• Yaroslavl breed - 82.15 kg (a cow named Vienna, USSR, 1941);
• Kholmogorsky breed - 78 kg (Russia, 2004).

According to the world's leading geneticists, in the 21st century, milk yield of 31-32 tons per lactation will no longer be rare.

The most fat-dairy breeds:

• 14.06% - Jersey breed (England);
• 10.58% - Herzen breed (England).