GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF DAIRY CATTLE

Abstract

The article examines the growth indicators of bull calves of the Black‑and‑White and Holstein breeds. Currently, beef production is carried out using bull calves and culled cows of dairy productivity. An important factor influencing the improvement of meat quality, as well as an increase in its yield, is the use of the individual characteristics of the living organism. These characteristics are related to the breed, the location of breeding, and the adaptability to the climatic zone, as well as to the productivity and purpose of the animal. Black‑and‑White cattle have a well‑pronounced dairy type of conformation. They have a strong constitution, a characteristic black‑and‑white coat, a sturdy frame, and well‑developed musculature. At birth, calves weigh between 32 and 40 kg. The young animals have good growth potential. With intensive fattening, live weight gains can reach 800–1000 g, and by the age of 15–18 months, the animals reach a slaughter weight of 420–480 kg. The Holstein breed, with its high genetic potential, is used to improve many other breeds. Cattle of this breed have good health and are well‑adapted to industrial technology. However, the breed has moderately pronounced meat productivity, with a slaughter yield of 50–55 %, which is typical for dairy cattle. An analysis of the productivity of the experimental animals suggests that Holstein bull calves have higher meat productivity compared to Black‑and‑White bull calves. Throughout all age periods, the bull calves in the experimental group surpassed their peers in terms of live weight. It was established that at 3 months the difference in favor of Holstein bull calves was 14.8 kg, at 6 months – 23.4 kg, at 9 months – 21.4 kg, at 12 months – 38.1 kg, at 15 months – 40.3 kg, and at 18 months of age – 33.5 kg. With a high level of feeding, Holstein animals fully demonstrate their genetic and biological potential. The advantage in terms of growth coefficients of animals during various periods was observed in Holstein animals. By the end of the fattening period, they increased their weight 12.19‑fold, which is 1.06 times more than black‑and‑white animals.