CATTLE EXTERIOR OF HEREFORD BREED IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE NORTHERN TRANS-URAL

Abstract

Herd reproduction parameters and quality of the young animals depend on the state of the breeding stock. The object of the study was cows of Hereford breed at the age of 4, 5 and 6 years. Linear assessment was carried out by the method of O.M. Sheveleva (2021). Animals were measured by conventional methods. The measurements were compared with the method of assessing cattle for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS). A scoring assessment of the exterior of cows was carried out and a complex class of cows for exterior was determined in accordance with the Procedure and conditions for assessing breeding cattle of meat direction (2010). The research results were biometrically processed by the method of N.A. Plokhinsky, 1969, 1970. Hereford cows were characterized by a harmonious build. All body measurements of full-aged cows increased compared to young animals. Measurement of chest girth increased by 11.7 cm, chest depth - by 2.6 cm, chest width by 2.8 (P> 0.999), width in hook bones by 3.7 cm, (P> 0.999), in hip joints by 3.7 cm, width in ischial tuberosities by 4.0 cm, half-girth of the quarters by 3.2 cm (P> 0.999). Evaluation of the exterior of cows by a 100-point scale indicates that the evaluated cows have a fairly harmonious build that corresponds to the breed type, but concurrently, full-aged cows received a lower score for exterior traits. A significant increase of linear assessment signs with age increment was established. Chest depth increased by 0.94 points, chest width by 1.62, back width by 0.55 points, pelvic width by 1.4 (P>0.999), chest width by 1.62, pelvic width by 0.7 (P>0.95). The method of linear assessment of the exterior is objective and does not require additional equipment. It is possible to recommend approbation of this method on other cattle breeds and to develop clearer instructions for conformation assessment of beef cattle using linear method.