Problems and ways of improving Holsteinized cattle of the Kholmogory breed of the Murmansk region

Abstract

The article presents studies of the Holstein-Kholmogorskaya cattle in the Murmansk region conducted during the period from 2008 to 2017. Traits of the exterior, milk productivity and quality indicators of milk, lactation dynamics, reproductive traits, calving, culling and predisposition to animal diseases were studied. Some problems were identified related to the main traits characterizing a stock of cattle. Reproductive problems were shown up. Calves per 100 cows were 76-78 heads in different years, the fertility rate was 48%, the average insemination index was 2.05, the interval from calving to 1 insemination — 87.9 days. The period of economic use of cows is reducing. The quality traits of milk are deteriorating (milk fat content — 3.3%, protein — 2.95%). The main directions of further improvement of Holstein Kholmogorskaya cattle in the Murmansk region are identified: an improvement of reproduction traits, an increase of the period of economic use and an increase of the level of mass fraction of fat and protein in milk. Target indicators of economically useful traits are determined. Upgrading these characteristics to the target level will significantly improve the quality characteristics of livestock. In reproduction, the increasing calves per 100 cows to 80 heads and the fertility rate of cows at the first insemination to 60%, the reducing the insemination index to 1.5, the decreasing the calving interval from calving to 1st insemination by 8 days (to 80 days), and endeavour to reduce the frequency of reproductive diseases, the number of stillborn calves, to increase the number of twins, the alive of calves at an early age. The decreasing of the frequency of lameness, ketoses, paresis and other metabolic diseases, mastitis and reproductive diseases, and the improvement of the exterior traits (udder, limbs, and pelvis) will increase in the longevity of cows. The improvement of the level of animal feeding and balancing of rations will increase (to target values) in fat content (4.0%) and protein (3.1%) in cow's milk with maintaining high milk productivity. It is necessary to continue the selection to improve the exterior performance of the udder. It is also necessary to apply veterinary measures to reduce the incidence of cow mastitis.