Assessment of breeding and genetic parameters of milk productivity indicators of zebu cows-a prominent type of black-and-white breed

Abstract

The article presents the results of an evaluation of the breeding and genetic parameters of milk productivity and breeding qualities of zeboid-type black-and-white cows. The level of coefficient of variability, interrelation and coefficient of heritability of indicators of dairy productivity of cows for the first, third and highest lactation in the herd of the Experimental station “Snegiri” — a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences” (Istra district, Moscow region) has been established. Currently, the herd at the experimental station consists of hybrid cattle created by crossbreeding black-and-white cattle with various zeboid subspecies (New Zealand, Indian, Azerbaijani, and Cuban), as well as with purebred Holstein-Friesians. As a result of extensive breeding work involving distant hybridization, unique animals have been developed that exhibit increased disease resistance, significant adaptive potential, and are undemanding in terms of feed and housing conditions under intensive milk production technology. Generally, the milk from zeboidtype black-and-white cattle is characterized by a comparatively higher concentration of nutrients — fats, proteins, milk sugar, and essential amino acids. The high nutritional value of the milk, combined with the enhanced adaptive abilities, characterizes the zeboid-type black-and-white cattle as potentially valuable animals, making breeding work with them justifiably highly relevant. The evaluation of breeding and genetic parameters will help uncover the potential for milk productivity, determine the directions for breeding work, and adjust selection methods to further enhance production and improve the breeding qualities of this type of dairy cattle.