Characteristics of Kazakh white-headed cows, advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Farms focused on the production of meat products often choose Kazakh white-headed cows for breeding. Cattle owners consider this breed to be one of the best. The livestock is distinguished by high productivity and ease of care. Animals are not afraid of the harsh climate; they easily adapt to different conditions.

History of origin and prevalence

Work on breeding the white-headed breed continued for 20 years. A special base was created in Kazakhstan for these purposes. Breeders chose local cows and pedigree Hereford bulls for crossing. The best animals were saved for the next attempts. The painstaking work was crowned with success. The breed was officially approved in 1950. Scientists who took part in breeding activities were awarded state prizes, first from the Kazakh Republic, and then from the USSR.

Meat-producing animals can spend time grazing all year round. Every day they cover about 30 kilometers. Dairy cows are also easy to care for. Livestock are transferred to enhanced nutrition in winter. This helps keep milk production at a high level.

Appearance and characteristics of the breed

Kazakh white-headed cows have a number of characteristic features that give significance to the breed. Distinctive features of animals:

1. White color, which is present in the color of the head, belly and at the tip of the tail. The rest is different shades of red.
2. The strong body is barrel-shaped.
3. Due to their heavy weight, the animals' limbs are short. This length of the legs gives stability while moving.
4. The condition of the coat varies depending on the season. In winter, the coat becomes thick and wavy, in summer it looks like that of other cows.
5. Thanks to its elastic skin, the animal easily gains and loses weight several times throughout the year.

Calves reach 250 kilograms by 8 months of age.An adult bull weighs about 900 kilograms, and a cow weighs more than 500.

Milk productivity indicators depend on the type of animal:

1. Beef cows produce approximately one and a half tons of milk per year.
2. In meat and dairy milk production reaches 2.5 tons.
3. Dairy varieties allow you to get up to 6 tons within 365 days.

The fat content of the drink is 4.8%. The meat is juicy and tasty, with a characteristic marbled layer of fat.

Pros and cons of the Kazakh white-headed breed

White-headed cows combine the best qualities Hereford bulls and Kalmyk breed.

The Kazakh white-headed breed has many advantages, and breeders are working to eliminate the shortcomings. Therefore, cows kept at home rarely live beyond 25 years. At livestock enterprises, there is a constant process of culling individuals in order to increase productivity.

Subtleties of content

Farmers consider the optimal conditions for the breed to be free keeping of cows on pastures. Animals easily move long distances. Impressive fat reserves help maintain weight. The calves remain with the rest of the herd. The offspring always has the opportunity to receive the necessary portion of mother's milk.

The installation of canopies on pastures makes the conditions more comfortable. Straw bedding, which is not removed, but only new portions of hay are added, helps to retain heat in winter.

This technology:

1. Does not require large expenses for the maintenance and care of animals.
2. Reduces the cost of feeding young animals.

Cow barns are also suitable for housing the Kazakh white-headed breed. The arrangement has a number of features:

1. A pen for calves is set up in the middle of the room.
2. Bedding is located around the perimeter of the building, and feeding areas are located in the center.
3. Calving cows are kept in separate fenced areas.

This method makes it easier for the farmer to care for animals and control the livestock.

Diet planning

Fresh grass, hay and straw form the basis of the diet of white-headed cows. Meat-type animals tolerate roughage well. Stud bulls are supported with grain and legumes. The required level of nutrients in the body is maintained by the use of vitamin complexes and bone meal.

In winter, cows are transferred to silage. To do this, provide a sufficient supply of corn, sunflower and hay. Beets compensate for the lack of sugar in the diet. Newborn calves up to 3 months of age feed on colostrum. Gradually, the young animals are transferred to compound feed. The offspring from an adult cow are separated after reaching 6 months of age. Up to 1 year of age, the daily diet of calves consists of:

As you grow older, the number of products is gradually increased. By the age of two years, legumes and beets are excluded from the diet of young animals, and the consumption of concentrates and sulfur is reduced.

Breeding rules

Cows reach sexual maturity at 1.5 years. Natural methods are used for fertilization. Artificial methods reduce the likelihood of conception by 10%. For insemination in a herd, 1 male per 35 adult animals or 1 bull per 25 young females is sufficient.

The survival rate of the offspring of the Kazakh white-headed breed is almost 100%. The female retains reproductive properties for up to 15 years. During pregnancy, animals are fed heavily. Childbirth takes place easily, without human assistance. Usually cows give birth to 1 calf. During their lifetime, animals are able to reproduce up to 15 offspring. Newborns do not require special care. After milk appears, the cow is again ready for fertilization.

The offspring quickly gains weight. Calves consume about 1.5 tons of milk. Meat cows are not milked during this period. All products are used to feed the offspring. And by the age of puberty, bulls gain almost 200 kilograms. Any difficulties in the development of animals mean errors in feeding or maintenance. In this case, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

Disease Prevention

Representatives of the Kazakh white-headed breed usually have strong immunity. Sometimes animals are susceptible to infectious or invasive diseases. Some cows have pathologies of the genital organs.

Diseases affecting cattle:

1. Leptospirosis often leads to the death of the animal or the birth of a dead calf in calving cows. The virus is transmitted through water or through infected individuals. To prevent infection of the entire herd, patients are isolated during treatment.
2. Catarrhal fever affects the lungs, intestines or nervous system.Pathology occurs if small and large livestock are kept together.
3. Dirt in the room provokes the development of necrobacteriosis. In the initial stages, the problem is eliminated by using antiseptics.
4. Decreased appetite and a feverish state are observed in calves infected with eimeriosis. In addition to the treatment, which is agreed upon with the veterinarian, preventive maintenance of the premises is carried out. The pen for keeping animals is treated with an ammonia solution.
5. Mastitis is the most common disease of cows that have reproduced. Compresses are applied to the sore udder and massage is performed. In severe cases, antibiotic injections are used. Milk after such treatment is unsuitable for consumption.

Keeping animals loose on pastures often leads to injury. Minor bruises or scratches are treated with iodine or brilliant green. Deep wounds are sutured, this requires the participation of a doctor.

Where can I buy

Farmers highly value Kazakh white-headed cows. Animals are bred by many farms in Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In Russia, breeding offspring are offered by livestock complexes in the Urals and Volgograd region. The price for young animals starts from 120, heifers – from 150 rubles per kilogram of live weight. Adults are valued even more.

The most expensive are animals with record productivity indicators. Such cows are used to improve the quality of the breed.

Recommendations from veterinarians

The optimal number for breeding the Kazakh white-headed breed is considered to be from 400 heads in a herd. Veterinarians recommend:

1. Inseminate cows in spring and early summer.
2. Do not separate calves from their mothers within a month after birth. Milk strengthens the immune system of newborns.
3. Clean the barn and treat the premises against rodents.
4. Organize regular vaccination of animals.

It should be taken into account that Kazakh white-headed cows prefer free movement and do not tolerate cramped enclosures. Calm and easy-to-care animals of the Kazakh White-headed breed are suitable for breeding by beginning farmers. Maintenance costs are low and productivity is high. These factors create the conditions for making a profit.