Dairy Holstein breed of cows
The Holstein breed of cows, or Holstein-Friesian, was bred in the United States in the 19th century on the basis of Dutch black-and-white heifers and bulls. It is considered the most productive dairy cattle breed in the world and is used to improve the milk production of other cows. It is widespread in many countries, its productivity can vary depending on the conditions of detention, the diet strongly influences milk production.
Holstein breed of cows
Breeding directions and productivity
Dairy cows of the modern Holstein breed began to be bred in the second half of the 19th century in the United States. The basis was taken by the Dutch black-and-white heifers and bulls, which were actively imported during this period to America. At the first stage of selection, the main task was to increase milk yield, and this was achieved, but the fat content of milk became not too high, therefore the next stage was aimed at increasing this particular indicator, it began in the 70s of the last century.
Beginning in the 1980s, attention began to be paid to the protein content in milk and the weight gain of cows. Another important indicator is the milk flow rate during machine milking. It should not be less than 2.5 kg / min., In some individuals it reaches 3 kg / min. The largest record for milk production among representatives of this breed is 25,000 kg per year. But the average productivity indicators are slightly lower, they may differ depending on the country:
- Israel - 10,000 kg per year, fat content - 3-3.1%, animal milk protein - 3%.
- USA and Canada - 8,000-9,000 kg, fat content 3.6%, protein content - 3.2%.
- Russia - 7,500 kg, fat content - 3.8%, protein content - 3.4-3.6%.
In addition to black-and-white cows in the Holstein breed, there are red-and-white individuals due to the recessive gene. The Holstein red-and-white breed of cows and the characteristics of its productivity differ from the black-and-white one. The fat content of her milk is higher, reaching 3.8-4%, but the number of milk yields is on average 4000 kg less. Previously, these animals were culled, now a separate line is being developed, heifers and bulls are used to improve Simmental and red cows.
Modern selection of the Holstein breed provides for an extremely accurate selection of genetic material. Artificial insemination, freezing of embryos and other methods are used, therefore the Holstein breed of bulls is constantly being improved. Balanced feed for livestock is selected using computer technology. There is also a Holstein horse breed in the world. It has nothing to do with cows, was bred in Germany in the XIV century, and is used in sports.
Description of the breed
Holstein dairy cattle has a typical appearance for this direction. Cows have a well-developed udder, wide chest and loins. Here's what a Holstein cow looks like and a description of her appearance:
- The height of the cow is 145-150 cm, the height of the bull is 160 cm.
- The weight of a heifer is 650-750 kg, a bull - up to 1200 kg, a one-year-old calf weighs about 400-600 kg.
- The depth of the breast is 80 cm, the width is 55-60 cm.
- Wedge-shaped body, deep.
- The shoulders are elongated and widened.
- The loin is widened.
- The udder is enlarged and taut, in 95% of cows it is bowl-shaped, with well-defined milkings and a pattern of veins, an index of 48-50%.
- Musculature is poorly developed in comparison with other breeds.
- The color is black and piebald, the ratio of colors can be different, from black with individual white spots to almost white with black blotches.
Previously, the breed was called Holstein-Friesian, now it has an abbreviated name. Due to their large body weight, Holstein bulls are used to obtain meat. The product yield is not the best, it is only 50-55%. But this direction is far from the main one. They send for meat, mainly, bulls that are not suitable for breeding, heifers with low milk production. How the Holsteins look can be seen in more detail in the photo.
Breeding cows
The description of the Holstein breed of cows allows us to conclude that its breeding is very profitable, because such indicators of milk production cannot be obtained from any other variety.
Both purebred breeding and crossbreeding with other lines are practiced, because milk production is transmitted to heifers on the paternal side, therefore Holstein bulls are often used as valuable genetic material. For example, with their help, we improved the characteristics of black-and-white cattle.
Heifers are ready for fertilization as early as 15 months with a weight of 350-380 kg. On industrial farms, they mainly use artificial methods. In private farms, heifers can be fertilized naturally. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the correct selection of bulls so that small calves can be included in the herd book, otherwise their value on the market will fall, and they will not be allowed to breed further. The Holstein breed of cows and its price largely depends on the purity of the line, because with low-quality genetic material of animals, their productivity drops sharply.
Holstein gobies are born with a weight of 35-42 kg, heifers - 32-38 kg. Calves are strong, quickly get to their feet. From the first days they are transferred to milk or skim milk, they are quickly accustomed to standard feed. Breeders are selected, the rest are sent for fattening and meat. Heifers are evaluated a little later in terms of milk production, but frankly weak, with obvious defects, female calves are also not left for further breeding.
Holstein-Friesian calves are susceptible to infections, so the calving area must be absolutely clean. You can touch young animals only with disinfected hands. In the first 2 weeks, calves are kept in special quarantine rooms, where the temperature is regulated, the air is disinfected with bactericidal lamps. Staff access to such premises is limited. The time between two calving in Holstein cows is 13-14 months, which is slightly longer than for other breeds.
Features of the content
The food characteristics of the Holstein breed largely depend on the conditions of keeping and feeding. These cows are quite moody and demanding. At the slightest stress, improper feeding, their milk yield drops. They are grown mainly on industrial farms. Only there it is possible to meet the highest requirements, while obtaining a positive balance between costs and profits. The boxing method of keeping in the barn without a leash is practiced.
The farm must be equipped with:
- milking parlor;
- a recreation room;
- veterinary area;
- comfortable stalls;
- galleries;
- mechanical manure removal system.
The nutrition of the cows is also of great importance, the feed should only be of the first class. A heifer, which gives about 6,000 kg of milk, needs 72 centners of feed with an energy value of 72,000 kJ per year. Milk productivity of purebred Holstein cows with unbalanced or insufficient feeding drops dramatically.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of food in winter.During this period, the cows are given:
- hay of legumes (pea tops, alfalfa, clover, lupine);
- corn grain;
- oilseed meal;
- soy;
- roots;
- compound feed with a high protein content.
In summer, the diet consists mainly of fresh herbs and animal feed. As you can see, this breed of cows cannot be economical. To fully realize its genetic potential, it is necessary to provide good housing and feeding conditions. In ordinary private farms, the Friesian breed rarely shows record or even average milk yield. It is really profitable to breed cattle only on industrial farms with medium or large livestock.
Advantages, disadvantages and cost of the breed
Holstein cattle have their own advantages and disadvantages. The positive qualities include:
- high milk yield;
- the possibility of increasing the amount and fat content of milk, depending on the feed;
- good climatic adaptability;
- disease resistance if well cared for;
- cleanliness and calm character.
Farmers' reviews say that the Holstein cow is a rather profitable option, but it also has a number of disadvantages, which include:
- exactingness to feed and conditions of detention;
- the need for large investments in order to fully realize the hereditary potential for dairy indicators;
- tendency to mastitis;
- sensitivity of calves to infections (animals require special conditions in the first days of life);
- short life expectancy of cows.
Farms in the Leningrad Region, Naberezhnye Chelny, Krasnodar Territory are engaged in breeding the Holstein-Friesian breed in Russia. The sale of livestock is also carried out there. How much does a Holstein thoroughbred cow cost? Breeding heifers can be purchased at 250-280 rudders per kilogram of live weight. Gobies for meat are cheaper, 180-200 rubles. Holstein breed and its price in Europe is higher, on average an individual costs 1,500-1,800 euros. Red-and-white varieties of the breed can cost a little less.
The Holstein breed of cows and the productivity of this cattle are appreciated all over the world. It has great genetic potential that can be fully realized with proper feeding and maintenance. Modern technologies make it possible to constantly increase milk yield.
Purebred gobies and Holstein heifers are more suitable for industrial farms. For private households, this is not the most profitable option.