BADANIA PORÓWNAWCZE UŻYTKOWOŚCI ROZPŁODOWEJ I MIĘSNEJ LOKALNEJ RASY BYDŁA POLSKIEGO CZERWONEGO Z RASĄ LIMOUSIN POCHODZENIA POLSKIEGO I FRANCUSKIEGO

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare of the reproductive and meat performance of meat breeds, such as the local Polish Red cattle and the Limousine cattle breed, which is dominant in Poland. The examined individuals of the Limousine breed, which were divided into two groups depending on the origin of the parents, the so-called Polish and French. The criterion for assigning the animals to the group of Polish origin was that the tested bulls did not have in their pedigree a descendant of the French line for two generations. Three groups of fatteners with 138 Polish Red bulls and 447 French and 478 Polish Limousin bulls were used to assess meat performance. All animals were kept in an extensive production system, using the pasture at will throughout the year, during the so-called peak season. At the end, they were fed additionally with haylage and concentrated feed. Reproductive parameters (type of calving and viability of calves) were assessed in 348 Polish Limousin cows, 367 French cows and 289 Polish Red cows. Calves were observed and measured throughout their life cycle from birth to slaughter. In the as- sessment of the utility value of meat, reference features were taken into account, e.g. body weight after calving, body weight at 210 and 420 days of age and gains, height at withers and chest circumference, and conformation assessment. The PRC group showed significantly greater ease of calving and vitality of calves compared to both groups of limousines. Calf and adult body weight measurements at 210 and 420 days were significantly higher in French Limousine cattle. Differences in body weight and gain were significant. There was a slight difference in height between Polish and French bulls. Native breed cattle were characterized by very good reproductive parameters and satisfactory meat performance charac- teristics in relation to the use of grassland fodder. Beef producers can be successfully recommended to use Polish Red cattle for meat purposes in an extensive production system.