Features of the conformation type of first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White and Red-and-White Dairy breeds

Abstract

Research of first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White and Red-and-White Dairy breeds by linear traits was carried out. Research was conducted at the enterprises of the "Ukrlendfarminh" company: PE "Burynske" of Pidlisnivskoho Branch of Sumy District and LLC "Mlynivsky Complex" of Romny Branch of Sumy Region. According to the 100-point linear classification system, an interbreed difference was determined with the best indicators of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed. The average scores of both breeds for the group traits and final assessment ranged from "good with plus" (80–84 scores). According to the estimation of group traits of dairy type, the predominance of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed over Red-and-White was 1.3 scores (P <0.001); according to assess the condition of limbs and hooves, the difference was in favor of cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed with a difference of 1.3 scores (P <0.001). The best developed udder was found in cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, which outperformed the peers of Ukrainian Red-and-White one by 1.4 scores with high reliability (P <0.001). As a result, the final score was higher in cows of Ukrainian black-and-White Dairy breed (83.0 scores) with a slight but significant superiority of peers Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed, which was 0.4 scores (P <0.01). The developmental level of 18 descriptive traits of cows showed their considerable variability both within breeds and within each breed. In general, the evaluated animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed are characterized by well-pronounced height (6.3 scores), body depth (7.2 scores), angularity (6.8 scores), slope (5.1 scores) and rear width (6,5 scores), front udder parts attachment (6.5 scores), central ligament (6.4 scores) and udder depth (6.6 scores). The first-born cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed have better developed chest in width (6.9 scores) and body depth (7.5 scores), stronger hooves (6.4 scores). The conformation of animals of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed had a good characteristic of descriptive traits that determined their milkiness and for Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed – strength. Key words: Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed, linear assessment, conformation, type, milk productivity.