Features of the Kholmogory breed of cows
The Kholmogory breed of cows is one of the cold-resistant representatives of the horned family. It is believed that it first appeared in the 17th century, it was then, thanks to selection and genetic experiments, that this tribe was formed. As a result, the cows of this family have become more resilient, their resistance to cold, milkiness and the percentage of fat content of products have increased.
Kholmogory breed of cows
Colors and short description
The Kholmogory breed of cows has a small range of colors. There are often 3 different colors:
- the black;
- white;
- black and bright (less common).
The Kholmogory breed of cattle is most often painted black, as you can see by looking at the photo on the network.
Cows of the Kholmogory breed are famous for their well-developed body structure, and the mass of an adult can reach 540-570 kg, bulls are much larger, their weight is up to 1000 kg. One of the features is that the young are already being born rather large. The heifer is born with a mass of about 30-34 kg, and the goby is 37-40 kg.
The Kholmogory breed of cows has its own distinctive characteristics:
- sufficiently voluminous forms;
- the sternum is small in size;
- legs are slightly crooked, but massive and high;
- angular body contours;
- average head and neck size;
- average body thickness.
It is interesting that the Kholmogory breed of bulls does not require special care, the diet of its representatives is not too different from that of its relatives.
Productivity
Many breeders strive for good characteristics to improve productivity and improve all indicators and characteristics, so all breeders want to acquire the Kholmogory breed. Maturation in a heifer occurs at 30 months, then she calves for the first time, and an increased productivity of a dairy product is also observed.
A castrated bull with good nutrition and fattening can add 1-1.5 kg per day. That is, during slaughter, you can take from it up to 58%, maximum - 66-67%. Gobies of the Kholmogory species are kept separately: they can be aggressive.
On average, during the lactation period, the Kholmogory breed of heifers can bring up to 3500-4000 kg, and if it is a milkmaid-heroine, then up to 5000 kg. The Kholmogory cow is considered one of the best dairy producers.
Fat content of milk
The fat content of milk, as well as its quality, are very important indicators when choosing a breed. This species is famous for its excellent characteristics, for example, the fat content of milk averages 3.6-3.9%, the protein content in it is 3.2-3.6%.
Meat indicators of Kholmogory breeds of cows during slaughter are also pleasing with their figures: on average 45-50% of the total body weight; if it is a young heifer 1-1.5 years old - 55-66%.
The Kholmogory breed of cows has the following parameters:
- withers height - 135-139 cm;
- chest depth - 70-75 cm;
- body length - 160-165 cm;
- chest girth - 195-200 cm;
- the girth of the pastern is 18-20 cm.
How to properly contain
The cow is not difficult to keep, it adapts well to different climates and conditions of keeping, but if the norms and standards of feeding are not followed, this has a bad effect on her health.First, it affects the quality of milk: the fat content decreases, and a bitter taste appears. Secondly, the lactation period decreases, respectively, milk production decreases
In order to obtain good milk yield results, it is desirable that the diet of the Kholmogory cows contains flax and sunflower oilcakes, good hay, and a mixture of grasses and cereals. The main thing is that everything is of the best quality.
A calf of this breed, like any child, needs special care. From birth, bulls should be kept with their mothers, but after 18-20 days the calf will be able to feed on its own, and it is transferred to a stall with other young animals.
After 8 months, cows are formed into separate "teams" (livestock), and each is selected its own diet and feeding.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive aspects of the breed: very fast growth and weight gain, initial ripeness and good fertility rates, resistance to climate and various types of diseases.
The creation of the Kholmogory breed of cows was aimed at ensuring that they were able to withstand severe frosts without losing milk, mass and not getting sick, which today makes them a strong look.
The downside is that cows have bodily disabilities: crooked legs, small breasts, and a massive hindquarters. If there is a small amount of grasses in the region, then this will certainly affect the milk yield of the cow.
So, representatives of the Kholmogory breed are climate-resistant, they have good immunity. They are unpretentious in food, but the main thing for them is quality food. Providing him, a convenient stall and unlimited hay supplies, in return, you can get an excellent dairy producer. Among other things, this variety has good health, a strong heart and a powerful physique, which helps the Kholmogory breed to become one of the best.