Features of growth and development of young cattle of Hereford breed of different origin

Abstract

Relevance. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the total number of cattle of both meat and dairy production. In this regard, the study of the features of breeding of beef cattle is relevant. In the studies, the growth and development indicators of the young cattle of Hereford breed were studied, depending on their origin.Methods. The research was carried out in the conditions of a breeding reproducer of LLC "Chebomilk", Cheboksary district of the Chuvash Republic. The dynamics of growth and development were studied by monthly weighing of animals. In newborn calves at the age of 205 days, 6, 8, 9 and 12 months, and in heifers additionally at 15 and 18 months, the height in the sacrum was measured. Based on the data from the weighing results, the absolute and average daily increase was calculated.Results. It was found that the growth rate of heifers and calves on fattening is influenced by the genotype of the father. When comparing the average live weight of young animals at the age of 18 months, the best results were in bulls received from the bull Perets — 375.8 ± 17.5 kg, this is 3.8 kg more than the same indicator for bulls received from the bull Timeline and 7.8 kg more than the bull Emuleishn, and by the live weight of heifers at the age of 18 months the Timeline is leading — 352.6 ± 25.2 kg. Bulls and heifers — descendants of the bull Perets of the Mayer-Verne 88480 line are distinguished by the best growth rate. The average daily increase at 18 months of age in bulls was 931 ± 57.2 g, in heifers — 577 ± 54.1 g, which is higher than their peers by 1.2–12.2%. To improve the productive and breeding qualities of the Hereford breed, it is recommended to carry out targeted selection and selection of parental pairs.