The Holstein breed of cows, or Holstein-Friesian, was bred in the United States in the 19th century on the basis of Dutch black-and-white heifers and bulls. It is considered the most productive dairy breed of cattle in the world, it is used to improve the milk production of other cows. It is widespread in many countries, its productivity can vary depending on the conditions of detention, the diet strongly influences milk production.
Holstein breed of cows
Breeding directions and productivity
Dairy cows of the modern Holstein breed began to be bred in the second half of the 19th century in the United States. The basis was taken by the Dutch black-motley heifers and bulls, which were actively imported to America during this period. At the first stage of selection, the main task was to increase milk yield, and this was achieved, but the milk fat content was not too high, because the next stage was aimed at increasing this indicator, it began in the 70s of the last century.
Beginning in the 1980s, attention began to be paid to the protein content in milk and the weight gain of cows. Another important indicator is the milk flow rate during machine milking. It should not be less than 2.5 kg / min., In some individuals it reaches 3 kg / min. The largest milk production record among representatives of this breed is 25,000 kg per year. But the average productivity indicators are slightly lower, they may differ depending on the country:
- Israel - 10,000 kg per year, fat content - 3-3.1%, animal milk protein - 3%.
- USA and Canada - 8,000-9,000 kg, fat content 3.6%, protein content - 3.2%.
- Russia - 7,500 kg, fat content - 3.8%, protein content - 3.4-3.6%.
In addition to cows of a black-motley color, in the Holstein breed there are red-motley individuals due to the recessive gene of the individual. The Holstein red-and-white breed of cows and the characteristics of its productivity differ from the black-and-white one. The fat content of its milk is higher, reaches 3.8-4%, but the number of milk yield is on average 4000 kg less. Previously, these animals were culled, now a separate line is being developed, heifers and bulls are used to improve Simmental and red cows.
Modern selection of the Holstein breed provides for an extremely accurate selection of genetic material. Artificial insemination, embryo freezing and other methods are used, because the Holstein breed of bulls is constantly being improved. Balanced feed for livestock is selected using computer technology. There is also a Holstein horse breed in the world. It has nothing to do with cows; it was bred in Germany in the XIV century, and is used in sports.
Breed description
Holstein dairy cattle has an appearance typical for this direction. Cows have a well-developed udder, wide chest and loins. Here's what a Holstein cow looks like and a description of her appearance:
- The height of the cow is 145-150 cm, the height of the bull is 160 cm.
- The weight of the heifer is 650-750 kg, the bull is up to 1200 kg, the one-year-old calf weighs about 400-600 kg.
- The depth of the breast is 80 cm, the width is 55-60 cm.
- Wedge-shaped case, deep.
- The shoulders are elongated and extended.
- The loin is extended.
- The udder is enlarged and tightened, in 95% of the cows in the shape of a bowl, with well-defined milking and vein pattern, the index is 48-50%.
- Musculature is poorly developed in comparison with other breeds.
- The color is black and piebald, the ratio of colors can be different, from black with individual white spots to almost white with black blotches.
Previously, the breed was called Holstein-Frisian, now it has an abbreviated name. Due to the large body mass of Holstein bulls used to get meat. The product yield is not the best, it is only 50-55%. But this direction is far from the main one. They send for meat, mainly, bulls that are not suitable for breeding, heifers with low milk production. How the Holsteins look can be seen in more detail in the photo.
Cow Breeding
Description of the Holstein breed of cows allows us to conclude that its breeding is very profitable, because such indicators of milk yield cannot be obtained from any other variety.
Both purebred breeding and crossing with other lines are practiced, because milk production is transmitted to heifers on the paternal side, therefore Holstein bulls are often used as valuable genetic material. For example, with their help, we improved the characteristics of black-and-white cattle.
Heifers are ready for fertilization as early as 15 months with a weight of 350-380 kg. On industrial farms, they use mainly artificial methods. In private farms, heifers can be fertilized naturally. At the same time, you need to monitor the correct selection of bulls so that small calves can be included in the herdbook, otherwise their value on the market will fall, and they will not be allowed to breed further. The Holstein breed of cows and its price largely depends on the purity of the line, because with low-quality genetic material of animals, their productivity drops sharply.
Holstein gobies are born with a weight of 35-42 kg, heifers - 32-38 kg. The calves are strong, quickly get to their feet. From the first days they are transferred to milk or skim milk, they are quickly accustomed to standard feed. Breeders are selected, the rest are sent for fattening and meat. Heifers are evaluated a little later in terms of milk production, but frankly weak, with obvious defects, female calves are also not left for further breeding.
Calves of the Holstein-Friesian breed are susceptible to infections, therefore the calving area should be absolutely clean. You can only touch young animals with disinfected hands. In the first 2 weeks, calves are kept in special quarantine rooms, where the temperature is regulated, the air is disinfected with bactericidal lamps. Personnel access to such facilities is limited. The period between two calving in Holstein cows is 13-14 months, which is slightly longer than in other breeds.
Features of the content
The food characteristics of the Holstein breed largely depend on the conditions of keeping and feeding. These cows are quite capricious and demanding. At the slightest stress, improper feeding, milk yield decreases. They are grown mainly on industrial farms. Only there it is possible to meet the highest requirements, while obtaining a positive balance between costs and profits. The box method of keeping in a barn without a leash is practiced.
The farm must be equipped with:
- milking parlor;
- a recreation room;
- veterinary area;
- comfortable stalls;
- galleries;
- mechanical manure removal system.
Feeding cows is also very important, feed should be only first class. A year for a heifer, which produces about 6,000 kg of milk, 72 centners of feed with an energy value of 72,000 kJ are needed. Milk productivity of thoroughbred Holstein cows with unbalanced or insufficient feeding drops dramatically.
Particular importance should be given to food quality in winter. During this period, the cows are given:
- bean hay (pea tops, alfalfa, clover, lupine);
- corn grain;
- oilseed meal;
- soy;
- roots;
- compound feed with a high protein content.
In summer, the diet consists mainly of fresh herbs and animal feed. As you can see, this breed of cows cannot be economical. To fully realize its genetic potential, it is necessary to provide good housing and feeding conditions. In ordinary private farms, the Friesian breed rarely shows record or even average milk yield. It is really profitable to breed cattle only on industrial farms with medium or large livestock.
Advantages, disadvantages and cost of the breed
Holstein cattle have advantages and disadvantages. The positive qualities include:
- high milk yield;
- the possibility of increasing the amount and fat content of milk, depending on the feed;
- good climatic adaptability;
- disease resistance if well cared for;
- cleanliness and calm character.
Farmers' reviews say that the Holstein cow is a pretty profitable option, but it also has a number of disadvantages, which include:
- exactingness to feed and living conditions;
- the need for large investments in order to fully realize the hereditary potential for dairy indicators;
- tendency to mastitis;
- sensitivity of calves to infections (animals require special conditions in the first days of life);
- short life expectancy of cows.
Farms in the Leningrad Region, Naberezhnye Chelny, Krasnodar Territory are engaged in breeding the Holstein-Friesian breed in Russia. Livestock is also sold there. How much does the Holstein thoroughbred cow cost? Breeding heifers can be purchased at 250-280 rudders per kilogram of live weight. Gobies for meat are cheaper, 180-200 rubles. The Holstein breed and its price in Europe are higher, on average an individual costs 1,500-1,800 euros. Red-motley breed options can cost a little cheaper.
Free-range keeping of Holstein cattle. Farm "Demetra-2010"
Show of Holstein dairy cattle. Exhibition Golden Autumn 2016
The Holstein breed of cows and the productivity of this cattle are appreciated all over the world. It has great genetic potential that can be fully realized with proper feeding and maintenance. Modern technologies make it possible to constantly increase milk yield.
Purebred gobies and Holstein heifers are more suitable for industrial farms. For private households, this is not the most profitable option.