Holstein breed of cows - detailed characteristics, disadvantages and peculiarities of the breed

The valuable Holstein breed of cows thanks to the efforts of breeders was able to take the leading positions in the world on all the main indicators - fat content, protein content and high milk yields. These excellent animals with proper care are able to bring a tangible and stable income in the household.

Holstein breed of cows - characteristic

The ancestors of the famous Holstein are black-and-white cows from Holland, Belgium, Germany. The settlers brought them to the USA and in due course, thanks to good breeding work, could significantly improve the productivity of livestock. The modern Holstein breed characteristics are excellent. It is famous for both record-breaking milk yields and fast weight gain in young animals, so it can be used for commercial meat production.

Cow Holstein breed - description

Externally, dairy cows of Holstein breed differ from the rest of cattle, a specialist with experience can easily identify them in a large herd. The main advantage of these animals - even with the highest milk yields, they do not decrease the fat content of milk and protein content. Here is a brief description of the excellent Holstein cows:

1. Torso of wedge shape.
2. The shoulders are wide and long.
3. Large udder.
4. Breast width up to 64 cm.
5. Loin is wide.
6. The chest of Holstein cows is deep (up to 86 cm).
7. Legs are long.
8. The veins on the udder are strongly pronounced.
9. The weight of an adult cow reaches 700 kg.
10. Weight golshtinskih bulls - about 900 kg.
11. The weight of the calf is about 38-45 kg.
12. The height of the bulls at the withers is 160 cm.
13. Height of cows at the withers is 140-150 cm.

Color Holstein breed

Representatives of this breed are predominantly of black and motley suits, this feature was strictly fixed during breeding and calves of a different color were rejected. The ratio of black and white spots can vary greatly. Often there are calves almost completely black with bright spots on the tail and legs. The Holstein black-and-white cow can bring red-and-white offspring. Such individuals were not allowed to be reproduced, but from the 1970s they were selected to receive a special breed.

How much milk does Holstein cows give?

Depending on the specific climatic region, the average milk yield of the Holstein cattle can vary greatly, in addition, the ration and quality of care have an influence on this characteristic. To some extent, productivity depends on suit. For example, red-and-motley individuals give milk with an excellent fat content of 3.95%, but in the total quantity they lag behind the black and motley cows in half. You can compare the maximum indicators that farmers in Israel, the USA and Russia get:

1. In Israel, annual milk yields reach 10,000 kg at a fat content of 3.1% and protein content of 3%.
2. In the US, annual milk yields at 9000 kg, fat content 3.6%, protein 3.2%.
3. In Russia, milk yields are within 7,500 kg with a fat content of 3.8%.

Holstein breed - calf feeding

Dairy calf diet greatly affects the future productivity of adults. In the question of how to properly feed calves Holstein, all the items need to be painted from the very first hour of life:

1. It is not recommended to delay the process of the first feeding.
2. If it is noticed that there is blood in the colostrum , it is better to offer the baby a product warmed to 39 ° C from another cow.
3. The amount of colostrum is up to 2.5 liters, but not more than 5% of its mass.
4. The first day of other feed the calf is not offered.
5. Colostrum is given 3-4 times a day.
6. It is advisable to use a teat cup when feeding.
7. At the age of 15 days the amount of colostrum is up to 8 liters.
8. At the age of 2 weeks, the calves are transferred to group cells and give the general milk.
9. Hay offer kids from the first week of existence.
10. The norm of hay depends on the age, 3-month-old calves give 1.4 kg, and 6-month calves - 3 kg.
11. From the 4th day, concentrates are introduced into the diet.
12. The norm of the concentrate for 3 months is about 1.6-2 kg.
13. Roots of Holstein cows are offered to children when they reach the age of one month.
14. Silage and haylage of calves are given from 2 months.

Fattening of gobies of Holstein breed for meat

In the US, the Holstein cattle breed is actively used for the production of excellent beef. In the West, gobies of eunuchs are grown by feeding them rations with a high content of special energy components and a smaller number of coarse fodder. With this approach, Holstein breed bulls gain weight effectively and achieve the required conditions by the specified time.

Stages of growing calves for meat Holstein cows:

1. Newborn bulls take a milk substitute with a fat content of 20%.
2. The first 45-60 days - milk or milk replacer.
3. In the milking period, the kids are offered a grain mixture.
4. Granulated starter for calves Holstein breed cows give up to 2 weeks.
5. The starter rate reaches from 0.5 kg to 0.750 kg.
6. An approximate composition of dry feeds - 33% is oats and protein granules and up to 34% corn grain crushed.
7. By the eighth week the amount of starter reaches 1.5 kg.
8. The diet of weaned Holstein calves calves - 80% of crushed grain forage, roughage - 20%.
9. Protein with a calf weight of 180-340 kg is 16% in the diet.
10. At the final stage, the percentage of corn is brought to 80% -90%.

Disadvantages of Holstein breed

Wishing to purchase cattle for milk production, it is necessary to study the peculiarities of Holstein cows and the conditions of their maintenance. To see on the farm high indicators of milk yields it is possible exclusively at due feeding and the complex approach to the maintenance of cattle. It is desirable to know some disadvantages of this breed:

1. Milk Golshtinskaya breed of cows is clean and poorly tolerates unsanitary conditions.
2. Stress has a harmful effect on the health of livestock.
3. Change of place of residence or transportation in adulthood can affect productivity, it is better to buy for breeding small calves.
4. In the cold climate, the milk yield of Holstein cows is decreasing.
5. In the winter, borries require high-quality food.