Content
There are two main types of breeds of cows that differ in terms of productivity - beef and dairy. However, in farms, the most valuable is the highly productive combined or mixed type. These are dairy and beef cows. The Kostroma cow can be called a representative of such a special breed of cattle.
They took her out on the Karavaevo farm, trying to get the breed with the given indicators. It was planned to get hardy cows with a mixed type of productivity. Work on improving the original selected genera lasted from 1911 to 1940 only in the Kostroma region. And only then dairy and beef cows of the Kostroma breed began to appear in other regions.
The Kostroma breed of cows is a unique breed of cattle, which has excellent performance in both dairy and meat production. Animals are different in color from dark brown to the lightest shade. There are individuals with a fawn and grayish color. The main characteristic for which the Kostroma cow is valued is its productivity. This is a rare quality when cows produce equally high rates of milk yield and meat. Burenki also stand out for their noticeable fortress, which is clearly seen in the photo:
Description and merits
A description of its main distinctive advantages will help to get to know the famous breed better. If you describe the appearance in a few words, then it should be noted that the animals are rather long, wide back and small forehead. The chest is well developed, the legs are of medium length. In adult females, the udder is bowl-shaped, wide and voluminous. The weight of adult bulls reaches 1 ton and more, and females gain up to 800 kg. Despite their large size and weight, individuals are very resistant to disease and climate changes. Another important plus is unpretentiousness in nutrition and care.
In the household, the size and weight of the famous breed of cattle is slightly lower. Burenki weigh about 550 kg, and the weight of gobies reaches 850 kg. Adult cattle and offspring are distinguished by enviable endurance. Young calves grow quickly and gain weight well.
The main advantages of the Kostroma cows are:
- Productivity - dairy and meat. The meat yield from live weight is 65%, and the dairy indicators range from 4000-5000 kg per year from one cow. The fat content of milk is about 4%. On farms, the record holders annually produce up to 9000 kg of high quality milk.
- Leather quality... In addition to meat and milk, the Kostroma cattle are valued for the density and strength of the skin, which is used in leather production.
- Life span... The longevity of the Kostroma cows is considered an important indicator. They are able to maintain indicators of milk yield up to the age of 20 years and remain hardy and healthy throughout this period.
- Unpretentiousness... Kostroma cows easily tolerate a change in diet and respond well to grazing. They gain weight much better with roughage than with concentrated food.
- Adaptation to weather changes... Kostroma is located in central Russia, and the Kostroma cows perfectly tolerate sharp climate fluctuations.
- Survival percentage calves are tall, calving is easy.
- Early maturity of the breed... 15 months after birth, individuals of the Kostroma breed are ready to reproduce offspring. Nutrition is considered the only condition.
Important points of care
The process of breeding Kostroma cows took place in difficult years. Therefore, in addition to productivity indicators, endurance and unpretentiousness of livestock to housing conditions were important characteristics for breeders. But there are still features of care for the breed of champions.
For cows of the Kostroma hardy breed in winter, you need an indoor barn with clean warm bedding and no draft.
In summer, livestock must be well-organized.
Minimum conditions for the calf are kept in an unheated room. This is done to form natural immunity and increase the resistance of individuals to unfavorable external environmental factors. The calves are provided with competent care and constant monitoring. Particular attention is paid to the composition of the diet so that the formation of a young organism in the first months of life occurs harmoniously. Antibiotics are added to the feed for calves to suppress pathogenic microflora and normalize intestinal function. If the quality of breast milk does not meet all the necessary requirements, then the quality of food is compensated for with a special nutrient solution. Although this is a great rarity, because the quality of milk from Kostroma cows is always excellent.
The diet of adult animals is formed from different feeds - juicy, coarse and concentrated. Most of the first two types should be. Otherwise, cows' milk yield decreases. For dairy cows, individual feeding is selected, taking into account the characteristics and needs of each cow.
