Original Yakut cow
The owner of an interesting appearance and incredible endurance, the Yakut cow has long been interested in both private farms and large farms. For what she fell in love and why it is so highly valued, read on.
Yakut breed of cows
About breed
Already by its very origin, the Yakut breed of cows differs from other cows. Its ancestor was the Indian zebu, while most of the cows came from the European tour.
Emergence
The beginning of the formation of the breed dates back to the XIII century. On the basis of the Baikal livestock of cattle in Yakutia (where, in fact, the name) and Eastern Siberia, the so-called offspring was isolated, which had a high adaptability to difficult climatic and housing conditions. The animals calmly endured low temperatures, lack of nutrition, they were not bothered by bloodsucking insects.
For a long time, it was possible to breed this species in itself, consolidating the previously obtained qualities in each next generation.
Development
Beginning in 1929, trying to improve the existing specimens of Yakut cows, they began to cross with Kholmogory and Simmental cows. After that, all the characteristics were mixed.
In order not to lose the Yakut cow breed, attempts were made to mate local females with Yakut males, but the situation was only partially corrected.
The breed today
Modern realities demonstrate the scarcity of "Yakuts". They are bred in Novosibirsk, Eveno-Bytantaysky ulus and in some private farms, although this type of cattle is really worth attention.
Description
Looking at the photos of Yakut cows, one cannot fail to notice their strikingly small growth for cattle. This is especially striking if in the photo they are depicted next to a person and barely reach the waist or chest. This is a mini cow with a height of no more than 115-120 cm at the withers and a body length of 1.5 m.
The animal's constitution is strong, the body is dense; massive but narrow chest; the limbs are also strong, although not high; the head is of medium size, with a straight profile line and a wide frontal region. Horns slightly curved, protruding upward, of medium length. Wide, but short neck and hump inherited from the "progenitor" of the zebu. Males have numerous folds on their necks.
The mass of heifers is up to 400 kg, of bulls - 500-600 kg.
Suit
Pets have a variety of colors:
- red;
- black;
- white;
- with spotted sides;
- with white stripes on the spine, etc.
Feature
In any description of the Yakut cow, a special place is given to its thick, slightly wavy hair. It literally covers the entire body of the cow, incl. and her udder. In winter, the wool becomes 6 times longer, which serves as a reliable protection for the animal from severe frosts (according to some sources - up to -60 ° C). In addition, they are also thick-skinned. By the summer, they molt.
Yakut care
From the description of the appearance of the "Yakut" it becomes clear that the animal is suitable for keeping even in very cold regions.In fact, they do not need a specially equipped barn, because they feel great outdoors even on a winter night. Burenushki sleep right in the snow.
The only time when it is desirable to provide comfort for a Yakut cow is the period after calving.
Also, slingshots require constant walking in any weather. Usually a canopy is equipped for them, under which you can hide from the rain, and no more devices.
Reviews of the owners of the Yakut cows breed are unanimous that caring for them is not a hassle. There is practically no smell from them, the usual daily cleaning in the barn is quite enough.
Food
On average, one milking individual eats 6 kg of hay per day. Additionally, they are fed with root crops (carrots, etc.), compound feed. Fat layers allow pets to maintain a stable weight for a long time, incl. despite poor feeding.
In the summer, the animals are content to nibble in the meadow.
They drink water from ordinary reservoirs, in winter they do not heat water especially for them.
Note to the owner
Disadvantages of the breed
The Yakut breed of cows has a couple of significant disadvantages. First, it is not easy to milk. Inconvenience is created by short nipples and low growth of cows, near which you literally need to squat down. The milking machine is not applicable to them.
Plus, the chicks are reluctant to give milk. The process is somewhat simplified when a calf is standing nearby (it is brought in at the very beginning), then the milk goes easier.
Breed benefits
In addition to the above-mentioned advantages of the Yakut breed of cows, one must also say about the following:
- they have excellent health, they are rarely affected by tuberculosis, leukemia, brucellosis;
- these northerners quickly get used to a different climate and calmly endure sharp temperature changes;
- Yakuts are gaining weight quickly.
Temper and habits
It is easy to find contact with animals, they do not differ in violence. During the hunt, Yakut cows are not dangerous at all. Their nature is docile and kind.
Their outward clumsiness is very deceiving. In fact, these are mobile slingshots, which also deftly jump over meter-high obstacles.
Productivity
Both dairy and meat products are obtained from Yakut cows. True, milk from one head comes out 3 times less than from the breeds familiar to all. This is about 5-7 liters per day of very fatty, about 6-11%, and a nutritious product rich in protein and lactose. Milk is suitable for making cheese, cream, butter, sour cream.
Burenka meat is incredibly tasty, it is called marbled meat. There are no thick layers in it, the intermuscular fat is evenly distributed. The yield is up to 60%.
The price of the issue
Regarding the prices for Yakut cows, no one will give it away for cheap. Moreover, if you bring real copies from Yakutia, then the services of a carrier are added to the cost price. If you take a cow from a local farm, it will cost about $ 1000.
Although it is impossible to say unequivocally how much they will take for each specific instance. The amount will depend on the breeder and his location.
Additional Information
You already know that frosts are not terrible for a Yakut cow. However, experienced owners noticed: improved living conditions and nutrition contribute to the fact that the "Yakut" brings large milk yield.
Some livestock breeders purchase "Yakuts" in order to improve the qualities of the existing livestock. When mating with a Yakut goby, the offspring turns out to be a little smaller, but stronger and with excellent meat. Moreover, their reproductive characteristics are high, and the survival of young animals is about 95%.
Newborn calves weigh 20 kg each, gaining 800 g per day. To accelerate the growth of young offspring, they are left breastfed for the first six months of life, or even all 8 months. At the age of 1.5 years, bulls and heifers can weigh 300 kg.
Well, how can one fail to note that in their homeland, Yakut cows are highly valued for their productivity and zero waste.