In the peasant farms of the Baltic states you can sometimes see a rare phenomenon. Unique cows – Latvian blues – graze in the fields. The animals got their name due to the unusual grayish-blue hue of their skin. The world's oldest breed is in danger of extinction. Today there are no more than one hundred specimens of the once popular species.
Description and characteristics of the Latvian blue
The first official records of this unusual animal date back to the beginning of the last century. The Latvian blue breed comes from the Baltic Sea coast and is now found among farmers in Kurzeme.Local residents believe that the blue cow appeared from the surface of the water. The herd of the ancient goddess of the sea rose to land when the Moon appeared in the sky. One animal got lost and ended up in the village of fishermen. He is considered the progenitor of the earthly species.
The breed has a meat and dairy direction. Body weight gain occurs quickly, but the priority is getting milk. The fat content of the drink is 4.5%. But at least 7 animals are known in which this figure exceeds 5%. And in one of the regions of Latvia, a blue cow was raised that produces milk with a protein content of about 4% and a fat content of 6.27.
The milk production level is 15 liters per day after the first calving. Later it reaches 30 liters. From 10 liters of milk you can get up to 3 kilograms of cottage cheese. The oil based on the product turns out to be bright yellow in color. The color of animal fur is blue, sometimes combined with a gray tint.
Positive and negative sides
The Latvian blue breed is classified as a universal type. Both directions of development are expressed in animals. But dairy products are distinguished by their high quality and protein content. Like other cattle, blue cows have their advantages and disadvantages.
Blue cows can be bred in different regions. In Russia, the breed will take root almost everywhere, with the exception of the southern regions with a hot climate.
Maintenance and care
The conditions for keeping Latvian blue cows depend on the time of year. In summer, animals are released to graze. It is better to select a walking area with good, lush grass close to the farm. It is advisable to equip a canopy for protection from bad weather.
Feeders and separate water containers are installed in the winter housing pen. If possible, the process is automated.
Hay bedding is laid on the floor. A mixture of peat and sawdust absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors well. As the layers become trampled and wet, they are removed and then new ones are added. This “mattress” protects animals in winter weather.
Latvian cows are adapted to cool climates. The premises for keeping animals are regularly ventilated. It is advisable that the building have large windows that allow sufficient sunlight to pass through. Blue animals are very clean. It is recommended to clean the pen every 2 days.
What to feed the breed
When feeding blue cows, it is important to follow a regimen and take into account several rules:
- Monitor the quality of food products.
- The diet includes concentrated feed, fresh grass and root vegetables, hay and vitamin complexes.
- Fill drinking bowls regularly.If it is impossible to automate the water supply, make sure that the liquid level does not drop to minimum values.
The first feeding is carried out early in the morning, the breaks between meals are the same.
Breeding rules
The rare breed is hardy, unpretentious and resistant to weather factors. Blue animals claim to be widely bred. A cow after mating with any bull produces blue offspring. The difficulty is that there are almost no unique animals left. It is very difficult to purchase calves with blue coat color. But federal subsidies will be a bonus for farmers who decide to take such a step. The Latvian government is interested in preserving cows, which are the country's national symbol. The European Union also helps livestock breeders; a special program has been developed to save the endangered species.
Possible diseases
Blue cows have strong immunity. The breed is resistant to leukemia. Not a single case of illness with a dangerous disease has been registered. Animals are also distinguished by the absence of genetically fixed mastitis.
The main problems arise from poor care:
- Keeping in pens with poor ventilation.
- Dirt and irregular cleaning.
- Bedding that is rarely changed becomes a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
- Unbalanced feeding.
Epidemics are also dangerous for blue cows. Timely vaccination will protect against rabies, foot and mouth disease, anthrax and other deadly diseases.
Summer heat is favorable for the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Sanitizing the barn will prevent problems. To maintain the health of animals, it is advised to observe hygiene measures and monitor the condition of the cows. If behavior is uncharacteristic, call a veterinarian.Isolating sick individuals will stop the spread of infection among the rest of the population. The Latvian blue cow is a rare species that has a hundred-year history of development. Now the conservation of blue animals depends on the efforts of enthusiasts and the support of the authorities.
