FORMATION OF PHENOTYPICAL FEATURES OF BULLS OF IMPORTED MEAT BREEDS OF DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL AND GENETIC ORIGIN IN THE STEPPE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

To studied the meat productivity of bulls of Men-Anjou, Kian and Santa Gertrude breeds in the Experimental Farm “Polyvanivka” of SЕ Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS. Growing condition, keeping technology, level of feeding were the same. Up to 18 months, animals were kept loose, and later – on a leash. The diet was balanced according to the norm of A-UIL traditional forages for Steppe zone. Animals were slaughtered at 18, 24 and 30 months of age by 5 bulls from each group. The studies used zootechnical, biological, analytical, biochemical, morphological, biometric methods.
 It is proved that in order to make more efficient use of livestock and obtain high-quality competitive beef to improve the supply of meat to the population, it is advisable to grow bulls up to 2.5 years of age. At the same time, clinical indicators and indicators of animals’ blood biochemistry were normal. In terms of growth energy and feed conversion at all ages, Men-Anjou dominates, bulls reach a weight of 600 kg (or more) earlier than other peers due to the massiveness and habitus of their body, they have a greater mass of carcasses, internal fat, offal and skin, resulting in higher slaughter yield. The differences in the coefficient of meat, chemical composition of beef, and its culinary and taste qualities are insignificant. Under the conditions of the Ukrainian steppe, bulls of Men-Anjou, Kian and Santa Gertruda breeds showed productive and slaughter qualities characteristic of their genotypes during the formation of phenotypic traits. Imported breeds can be a source of genetic diversity in the development of beef cattle breeding in Ukraine.
 The beef of all studied bulls’ breeds meets is in a widely commercial demand. These breed of bulls steady pass on their positive traits to offspring, which can be used in the formation of Beef Cattle Breeding in Ukraine. Raising animals of the Men-Anjou, Kian and Santa Gertrude breeds up to 2.5 years of age will increase the production of high-quality beef in order to improve the supply of meat to the population and strengthen the country's food security.