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Cow breeds and breeds are shaped according to the purpose of use, geographical characteristics and climatic conditions. While each breed has its own advantages and disadvantages, the right cow breed should be selected in accordance with the purpose of breeding. The origin and characteristics of cow breeds and breeds, which are examined in 13 different categories in addition to their intended use such as farm, labor, meat or milk, are listed below.

 

The process of determining cow breeds is also important. In this process, which is based on morphological, physiological and genetic characteristics, it can be learned which breed the cow belongs to by examining the pedigree by DNA analysis. In physical characteristics, factors such as body structure, horn structure and pattern - color are at the forefront. Feather color, spot shape, size and the presence or absence of horns give information about the breed. In addition, milk yield, working power and meat yield are among the production characteristics.

 

Cow Breeds and Characteristics

 

Basically, breeds and breeds of cows are defined by their origin and general characteristics.

  1. Holstein: It is a breed originating from the Netherlands. It is known as the most common dairy cow breed in the world. Its color structure is red and white or white with black spots. This cow breed can produce up to 10,000 liters of milk per year and has a low fat content.
  2. Jersey: This cow breed, which originates from England and the island of Jersey, has a low milk yield but a high milk density. In addition, while attracting attention with its high milk fat ratio, it provides a serious advantage in butter production. They are known as brown and small-built cows.
  3. Guernsey: Originating from England and the Isle of Guernsey, these cows have a milk fat content between 4% and 5%. The color of the milk is golden yellow with high beta carotene content. These medium-sized cows have a red, white or yellowish color.
  4. Ayrshire: Ayrshire, a cow breed originating from Scotland, is resistant to harsh climatic conditions. Although milk yield is at medium level, the fat rate is known to be 4% on average. It is a red and white spotted cow breed, medium sized.
  5. Brown Swiss: Although it is a breed of Swiss origin, their large structures attract attention. This breed, which has high fat and protein in its milk content, has a strong structure. They are also long-lived and produce high amounts of milk. It produces an average of up to 9000 liters of milk per year.
  6. Angus: Angus are a red or black colored hornless cow breed. Originating from Scotland, they have a low rate of difficult births. It is known that Angus cows, which are easy to care for, stand out in meat production. The meat structure is fatty.
  7. Hereford: Popular for meat production, Hereford cows are red in color with white heads. They require little maintenance and are resistant to harsh climatic conditions. They originate from England.
  8. Limousin: Limousin, a cow breed originating from France, is golden yellow and red in color. This cow breed has a large muscle structure and can produce high quality meat. The body structure of these cows with low fat content is also strong. It is also preferred for its working power.
  9. Simmental: Simmental cows originate from Switzerland. They provide good milk yield and produce high quality meat. Therefore, it is used in both meat and milk production. Simmental cows have a white head with yellow and red spots.
  10. Montbeliarde: Known as a hardy and productive genus, this species originates from France. Medium sized. It has high milk yield. While it is generally preferred in cheese production, it draws attention with its durable structure.
  11. Shorthorn: This cow breed originating from England is also used for both meat and milk production. The milk of this red and white mixed cow is medium fat. The meat is hard.
  12. Charolais: Cream or white in color, these cows have a high muscle structure. Therefore, they offer a serious meat yield. With good feed, they have a fast growth rate. They also have a large build and originate from France.
  13. Brahman: Brahman cows used for meat production originate from India. These cows are red or gray in color and have a humped structure. They can easily survive in humid and hot climates and are always resistant to parasites and diseases.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Cow

 

It should not be forgotten that cow selection is a very important decision in terms of productivity and farm management. In this process, the purpose should be determined over cow breeds and breeds and all their characteristics should be examined. In addition, physical condition, productivity records, health status, behavior, reproductive performance and feeding needs should also be taken into consideration. Of course, it will be healthier to choose a cow by looking at processes such as economic factors, ease of maintenance and management phase.

 

First, the goal setting stage should be examined. In other words, it should be decided which of meat or milk production will be realized. Dual purpose production can also be preferred at this stage. For milk production, it would be appropriate to turn to breeds with high milk yield. Jersey and Holstein breed cows have high milk production. For meat production, breeds with high meat quality and strong muscle structure are preferred. Charolais or Angus cow breeds stand out in this context. Simmental breed cows will be suitable for dual purpose production.

 

Physical condition is the next most important criterion after goal setting. The productivity of cows is very high until a certain age. In this context, it should not be forgotten that adult and young cows are productive. In terms of body condition, the choice should be made by looking at the physical condition. Especially strong foot and leg structure should be at the forefront for dairy cows. Again, health status is among the things to be considered when choosing a cow. It should be known that some breeds are resistant to diseases. While cows with regular health screening and veterinary control are preferred, the choice should be made by checking the disease and vaccination record history.

 

Productivity records have an important place like other factors. In meat yield records, records such as live weight gain and carcass yield should be examined. In dairy cows, data on daily milk quantity, lactation period and milk components should be examined. Of course, nutritional cost is a factor that should be considered economically. The nutritional cost of the preferred cow should be in line with the budget. On the other hand, the feed consumption capacity of high-yielding cow breeds should also be high. Therefore, it is useful to choose them by looking at their nutrient requirements and feeding needs.

 

Fertility rates, reproductive performance and calving intervals of the cows to be selected should be considered. For cows with high fertility rates, calving history and calving ease data should be examined. In this context, the most advantageous cows are cow breeds with a low rate of difficult calving. In the last process, cow breeds suitable for housing and climate adaptation should be preferred. The compatibility with the existing capacity of the farm, especially the shelter structure and climatic conditions, as well as the maintenance requirements should be examined.

 

Low-maintenance cow breeds that are advantageous in terms of management are more economical. It is important not to choose cows with low productivity in order to avoid economic disadvantages in the long term. The same applies to the purchase cost. In the purchase cost of cows, which should be compatible with the farm budget, healthy and high-yielding ones will have a high economic value. However, it should not be forgotten that they can provide good economic returns in the long term.

 

Productive Cows Live a Comfortable and Calm Life

Milk production is maximized when a productive cow is raised in a peaceful and stress-free environment. A suitable barn environment is essential for cows to live a comfortable life. Good ventilation, constant access to clean water and nutritious feed will keep cows healthy by meeting their daily needs. This kind of living environment reduces the animals' stress levels and makes them more productive

One of the most important factors to be considered in the organization of barns is ventilation. Air circulation inside the barn can be increased, especially by using helicopter fans. In this way, the temperature and humidity balance inside the barn is maintained and bad odor formation is prevented. Cows' access to cool and fresh air has a positive impact on their health and increases productivity

In addition, cows should be offered ample space with freedom of movement so that they feel comfortable enough. Cows that move freely in a calm environment, free from stress, produce more milk and have better overall health. Cows provided with comfortable living conditions make a great contribution to the farm economy.

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