Farmers who are just starting to raise large livestock assume that all cows have large horns and a large build. Delving into this topic more seriously, livestock breeders begin to get acquainted with different breeds. This is how the first meeting with a polled hornless cow takes place. This is a unique animal in its external characteristics. It differs from its relatives and seems more harmless.
What does a polled cow mean?
The complete absence of horns in livestock of both small and large species is called “poledness.”This word comes from the term “butt”, which means the formation of thick growths, reminiscent in shape of cones formed after cutting down a tree. A similar neoplasm is also present on the head of a polled cow, which, in principle, is born and develops without horns. There are several reasons for their absence, but what is typical for this breed is a genetic feature.
The horns of individual animals are deliberately cut off. This fate befalls cattle that have behavioral problems. Breeders do this kind of manipulation to protect their herd. An animal without horns is safer for its relatives.
Polledness is the result of the work of breeders. Breeding the breed allows farmers not only to protect other animals from the herd, but also to save money by not having to cut off the horns. In addition, this is an excellent meat breed that produces milk in smaller portions, but it is valued higher in quality and fat content.
Varieties
Many people do not know what kind of polled cow it is, what its features are, since there are also similar features with ordinary cattle. In fact, this type of animal appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 21st century due to the crossing of the Kalmyk breeds with Aberdeen Angus.
Aberdeen Angus
This type of cow appeared in the 19th century. The animal is actively bred in the USA and Russia. This is a meat breed of cows with characteristic differences. She has:
- black color;
- rounded sides;
- wide massive chest;
- a strongly deployed part of the femur;
- big head;
- thick neck.
An adult male animal reaches a weight of 1000 kilograms, but a female animal reaches 650 kilograms.
Redpole
This type of cow originated in 19th century England through the mixing of chestnut and red hornless dairy breeds. If we talk about how much milk does a polled cow give?, then this type allows the farmer to receive approximately 4600 liters per year.
Modern cattle are characterized by a red color. The weight of a bull reaches 950, and a cow – 600 kilograms. The meat of these cattle representatives retains excellent taste. It is soft and almost non-greasy.
Iowa polled cow
This type of animal was bred in the USA. A local farmer created a decorative cow specifically to take part in fairs. These hornless animals were distinguished not only by the complete absence of horns, but also of an udder. Outwardly, they are similar to plush toys, just as small in size, with thick fur that is soft to the touch. The color of a cow can be the most unusual.
Among the features of the breed:
- voluminous hair, which makes the head seem very small in comparison with the body;
- a long tail with a tassel at the end;
- small size of the animal;
- short neck;
- the back is without bends, like a longitudinal line.
Such decorative animals in America cost about 5 thousand dollars.
Russian komolaya
This domestic type of cattle was bred specifically for maximum meat production. The Russian polled breed of cows was obtained by mixing Aberdeen Angus and Kalmyk type of cows. This is a successful experiment by breeders. Now the population is 8 thousand individuals.
The animal develops quickly. He constantly gains weight throughout his life. To cross a young polled bull with a dairy cow, its weight must be no more than 1200 kilograms. It must be a strong-built animal. A polled cow will calve for the first time within 2 years.
The Russian polled breed is characterized by:
- broad chest;
- strong straight legs;
- elastic skin;
- strength of physique;
- black color;
- wide back;
- large body;
- head of medium size.
Hornless animals are small in stature. From the outside they look more like a barrel. Cows that have reached the age of 15 months are considered adults.
This breed produces offspring for 10-11 years. At the same time, the cow has little milk. It is only enough to feed the young. The fat content of milk is 5%. Newborns are born weighing no more than 40 kilograms, but they gain it at an active pace, approximately 1 kilogram per day. Therefore, calves often weigh 80-85 kilograms by 3 months. Animals rarely get sick. Excellent adaptability to living conditions. A polled cow has advantages over its relatives.
East Finnish
This is a dairy breed. In 1 day it produces up to 7 liters of milk with a fat content of 5%. The East Finnish cow constantly needs fresh and juicy grass. It is important to adhere to this rule if the farmer wants to get a good yield. A warm barn is built for polled cows. Make sure that in winter the air temperature does not fall below 7 degrees Celsius.
Among the features of the cow:
- body weight – 500 for a cow, 700 kilograms for a bull;
- there is an udder that is well developed and looks like a tub;
- light brown coat color, sometimes with white spots on the belly.
A hornless cow provides an excellent opportunity for a farmer to develop his own business selling high-quality, fatty milk.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hornless breeds do not pose a risk of injury to the herd. Many of them are completely unpretentious to care for. They will only need a stall. But you can do without it.Polled animals are unpretentious in their diet and only need a large amount of grass. If it is sufficiently absent, then you can get by with other types of food. Polled cows are stress-resistant. They are not afraid of a change of owner or bad weather.
As for the disadvantages, polled cow breeds are not able to defend themselves against cattle or predators. The absence of horns on a female seems less attractive to the bull, so it is more difficult for them to compete with other representatives of the herd.
Conditions of detention
Animals of this species do not require additional care. They can live both in a stall and without it. Travel long distances if necessary. Live outside when it's warm. The breeder should remember that when dealing with polled cows, it is necessary to monitor their proper nutrition, hygiene and regularly visit the veterinarian according to the schedule.
Livestock must be washed regularly, especially the body and hooves. For this purpose, special brushes are used. Acceptable water temperature is 17 degrees.
Nutrition
The animal adapts to different foods. Changing food won't harm him in any way. Artificial fertilizers, such as compound feed, can be added to grass and hay. At the same time, grazing of polled rock lasts approximately 10 months a year.
It is important not to forget about the drinking water consumption regime. An adult, like young animals, cannot live without it for long.
Diseases and prevention
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, you need to regularly visit the veterinarian.In these animals, the most common diseases are related to the lungs and esophagus. Polled cows have bronchitis. They happen due to drafts, cold, untimely replacement of bedding, and moisture in the barn.
If artificial additives are poorly crushed, then the animal may experience a blockage of the esophagus. This condition is characterized by overexcitement of the animal, foaming at the mouth. Immediate veterinary attention will be required.
Infectious diseases are prevented by a blood test and a number of necessary vaccinations. Polled cows produce excellent meat and milk. To obtain healthy food products after slaughter, you must adhere to the rules of keeping animals and follow the diet.
