Red Breed Research Articles

Clinico-haematological and Serum Biochemical Changes Associated with Foot and Mouth Disease in some Breeds of Cattle in Oyo State, Nigeria

Foot and mouth disease is considered one of the major hindrances to the growth of animal husbandry in Nigeria, with a projected annual loss of about 7 billion naira. We sought to establish the hematological and biochemical features in Nigerian indigenous cattle naturally infected with FMDV by comparing the hematological and biochemical features with breed, sex, and age. Forty cattle showing clinical manifestations and confirmed positive for FMD with the FMD rapid diagnostic kit were sampled for this study. Standard hematological and serum biochemical techniques were adopted for the analysis. Demography findings revealed more clinical FMD cases in the White Fulani breed (50%) compared to the least in Red Bororo (10%), females (60%) compared to males (40%), and adults (60%) compared to young (40%) cattle, respectively. There were generalized neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hypoproteinemia, increased ALT, and decreased AST enzymes when compared with reference ranges. All parameters analyzed regarding sex revealed no significance in their mean ± standard deviation, except neutrophils and absolute neutrophils, with p-values of 0.022 and 0.003, respectively. The results of all parameters regarding ages showed no statistical significance when comparisons of their mean ± SD were analyzed. We therefore conclude that there were more incidences of FMD in white Fulani, female, and adult cattle compared to other breeds, male and young animals, respectively, in Nigeria. The hematological and biochemical features appeared better in the Red Bororo breed, female and adult FMD-infected cattle compared to other breeds, male and young FMD-infected cattle respectively.

Mitochondrial sequence variants: testing imputation accuracy and their association with dairy cattle milk traits

BackgroundMitochondrial genomes differ from the nuclear genome and in humans it is known that mitochondrial variants contribute to genetic disorders. Prior to genomics, some livestock studies assessed the role of the mitochondrial genome but these were limited and inconclusive. Modern genome sequencing provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the potential impact of mitochondrial variation on livestock traits. This study first evaluated the empirical accuracy of mitochondrial sequence imputation and then used real and imputed mitochondrial sequence genotypes to study the role of mitochondrial variants on milk production traits of dairy cattle.ResultsThe empirical accuracy of imputation from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panels to mitochondrial sequence genotypes was assessed in 516 test animals of Holstein, Jersey and Red breeds using Beagle software and a sequence reference of 1883 animals. The overall accuracy estimated as the Pearson’s correlation squared (R2) between all imputed and real genotypes across all animals was 0.454. The low accuracy was attributed partly to the majority of variants having low minor allele frequency (MAF < 0.005) but also due to variants in the hypervariable D-loop region showing poor imputation accuracy. Beagle software provides an internal estimate of imputation accuracy (DR2), and 10 percent of the total 1927 imputed positions showed DR2 greater than 0.9 (N = 201). There were 151 sites with empirical R2 > 0.9 (of 954 variants segregating in the test animals) and 138 of these overlapped the sites with DR2 > 0.9. This suggests that the DR2 statistic is a reasonable proxy to select sites that are imputed with higher accuracy for downstream analyses. Accordingly, in the second part of the study mitochondrial sequence variants were imputed from real mitochondrial SNP panel genotypes of 9515 Australian Holstein, Jersey and Red dairy cattle. Then, using only sites with DR2 > 0.900 and real genotypes, we undertook a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for milk, fat and protein yields. The GWAS mitochondrial SNP effects were not significant.ConclusionThe accuracy of imputation of mitochondrial genotypes from the SNP panel to sequence was generally low. The Beagle DR2 statistic enabled selection of sites imputed with higher empirical accuracy. We recommend building larger reference populations with mitochondrial sequence to improve the accuracy of imputing less common variants and ensuring that SNP panels include common variants in the D-loop region.

Production use of the Red dairy breed cows in the breeding regions of the Russian Federation

Production use of the Red dairy breed cows in the breeding regions of the Russian Federation

The Effects of Two Selected Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Fatty Acid Synthase Gene on the Fat Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Cow's Milk from the Polish Holstein-Friesian Red-and-White Breed versus Two Polish Red-and-White and Polish Red Conservation Breeds Kept in Poland.

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a metabolic enzyme responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids in milk and meat. The SNPs g.841G/C and g.17924A/G of the FASN gene significantly influence the fat and fatty acid content of milk from cows of various breeds. Therefore, these SNPs were selected for this study. This study aimed to analyze the relationship of SNPs and their genotypes with the fat content and fatty acid profile of milk from Polish Red-and-White (ZR), Polish Red (RP), and Polish Holstein-Friesian Red-and-White (RW) cows. Milk samples were obtained during a milking trial. SNP genotyping was performed using the real-time PCR (HRM) method. It was shown that SNPs (with specific genotypes) were significantly associated with the presence of fatty acids such as C18:1n9t and C18:2n6c in milk. In addition, it was found that the milk fat from the ZR (genotypic variant A/G, AA) and RP (genotypic variant GG, A/G) breeds often exhibited a more attractive fatty acids profile than the milk fat from RW cows. This information can be used by both cattle breeders and people interested in consuming functional foods.

Reasons for disposal and cull cow value of Holstein cows compared with Holstein, Jersey, Montbéliarde, Normande, and Viking Red crossbred cows

Cull cows from dairy farms in the United States account for 10% of the beef market; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of crossbreeding on reasons for disposal and cull value of dairy cows. The objective of the study was to compare reasons for disposal and cull cow value of Holstein and crossbred cows (n = 1,292) in an experimental dairy herd at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN). Cows were Holstein (n = 272), 1964 genetic control Holstein (n = 161), 3-breed crossbred cows (n = 538) composed of the Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein (MVH) breeds, and 3-breed crossbred cows (n = 321) composed of the Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV) breeds. The 1964 genetic control Holstein cows originated from a design initiated at the University of Minnesota for comparison of the 1964 Holstein and contemporary Holstein cows selected for production across time. Records spanned from January 2010 to December 2023. Reasons for disposal were recorded in PCDart Herd Management Software, and cull value and body weight were obtained from receipts from livestock cull markets. For all cows, the primary reasons for disposal were as follows: reproduction (44.4%), mastitis (18%), other reasons (14.6%), death (10.3%), dairy purposes (8.4%), and low production (4.3%). Independent variables for statistical analysis of cull value were the fixed effects of body weight at time of culling, DIM at culling (0-49 DIM, 50-99 DIM, 100-149 DIM, 150-199 DIM, 200-249 DIM, 250-299 DIM, 300-350 DIM, and >350 DIM), year (2010-2023), season (spring, summer, autumn, winter), parity (1, 2, 3, 4, 5+), primary reason for culling, breed group, and sire breed group nested within breed group. Least squares means for body weight at culling was 558 kg for Holsteins, 543 kg for 1964 Holsteins, 551 kg for MVH crossbred cows, and 499 kg for NJV crossbred cows. For the analysis across time, 2014 had the highest cull value ($1,126.98), and 2020 had the lowest gross cull value ($515.21). Cows culled at greater than 300 DIM had the highest cull value and cows culled at less than 50 DIM had the lowest cull value. Cows culled during the spring and summer had higher cull value compared with cows culled during the autumn and winter. The Holstein cows ($730.04) had lower gross value compared with 1964 Holsteins ($804.38) cows and MVH ($767.39) cows. The NJV ($771.39) cows were not different from crossbreds sired by Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein bulls. Results for comparisons of breed group are from one experimental herd, so inferences to the wider dairy cow population should be undertaken with caution. In summary, dairy producers may receive greater cull value from crossbred cows compared with Holstein cows.

Comparative Study on the Production, Performance and Various Eggs Characteristic of Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock Poultry Breeds

Comparative Study on the Production, Performance and Various Eggs Characteristic of Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock Poultry Breeds

Imputation accuracy and carrier frequency of deleterious recessive defects in Australian dairy cattle

Widespread genotyping has enabled the identification of putative recessive mutations that affect fertility through early embryonic fetal loss, or that compromise neonate or calf viability. The use of artificial insemination in the global dairy population can rapidly spread these harmful mutations, and testing for multiple mutations can become relatively expensive if not all tests are available on the same SNP panel. However, it is possible to provide heifer and cow predicted carrier status to farmers at no additional cost if the animals are genotyped with a standard SNP panel. Additionally, for defects where the causal mutation is unknown but a haplotype of markers has been associated with the defect, the carrier status can be predicted based on that haplotype. The aims of this study were 3-fold: (1) to determine the accuracy of imputation of putative causal mutations for recessive deleterious conditions in Australian dairy cattle, (2) to impute carrier status for known recessive deleterious conditions in all genotyped Australian Holstein, Jersey, and Red breed cows, and (3) to determine the changes in carrier frequencies across time for these recessive deleterious mutations. We used the F1 statistic, combining precision and recall, to assess the accuracy of carrier status prediction. We showed that known deleterious mutations can be accurately imputed in Australian Holstein and Jersey cattle that are not directly genotyped for the causal mutation, with F1 ranging between 0.88 and 0.99. For recessive deleterious conditions not included on the standard Australian SNP panel, carrier status could be predicted using a marker haplotype, with F1 ranging from 0.91 to 0.92. Most putative causals and haplotypes were either stable with a low carrier percentage or had a declining carrier percentage. However, several recessive mutations showed a relatively high or increasing percentage, highlighting the importance of detecting carriers to reduce the number of at-risk matings. Furthermore, the high carrier percentage of the recently identified bovine lymphocyte intestinal retention defect mutation emphasizes the importance of detection of novel mutations.

The nutritional value of beef from Polish Red and Limousin cattle breeds maintained by an extensive production system

The nutritional value of beef from Polish Red and Limousin cattle breeds maintained by an extensive production system

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in selected chicken breeds in South Africa

BackgroundThe impact of chickens on maintaining the economy and livelihood of rural communities cannot be overemphasized. In recent years, mycoplasmosis has become one of the diseases that affect the success of South African chicken production. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the most prevalent strains of Mycoplasma in South Africa. MG and MS are significant respiratory pathogens affecting the productivity of chickens. The present study aimed to molecularly detect using qPCR and characterize the presence of MG and MS using phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis was utilized to clarify general evolutionary relationships between related taxa of different MG and MS observed in tracheal swabs from South African chicken breeds.MethodsForty-five tracheal swabs of the Lohmann Brown (n = 9), Rhode Island Red (n = 9), Ovambo (n = 9), Venda (n = 9), and Potchefstroom Koekoek (n = 9) breeds were collected from symptomatic chickens present in the commercial farm. To detect MG and MS, DNA was extracted from tracheal swabs and faecal samples, and qPCR was performed with a 16 s rRNA (310 bp) and vlhA (400 bp) gene fragment. Following the sequencing of all the amplicons, MG, and MS dendrograms showing the evolutionary relationships among the five South African chicken breeds and the GeneBank reference population were constructed.ResultsThe qPCR revealed the presence of MG and MS in 22% (2/9) of the tracheal swab samples tested for MS only in Rhode Island Red breeds; 66.6% (6/9) and 33% (3/9) of the tested samples in Ovambo breeds; and 11.1% (1/9) and 44.4% (4/9) of the tested samples in Venda breeds. No MG or MS were detected in the Lohmann Brown or Potchefstroom Koekoek breed. Furthermore, qPCR revealed the presence of MG in pooled faecal samples from Lohmann Brown and Ovambo breeds. Eight different bacterial isolates were recognized from both samples. Four isolates were of the 16 s ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene (named PT/MG51/ck/00, PT/MG48/ck/00, PT/MG41/ck/00 and PT/MG71/ck/00) gene of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and the other was Mycoplasma Synoviae variable lipoprotein hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene (named PT/MSA22/ck/01, PT/MS41/ck/01, PT/MS74/ck/01 and PT/MS46/ck/01) which were available in GenBank. These isolates were successfully sequenced with 95–100% similarity to the isolates from the gene bank.ConclusionThe study revealed the presence of both MG and MS in the chicken breeds sampled. Furthermore, the different breeds of chicken were found to be susceptible to infection under the intensive or commercial management system. Therefore, continuous surveillance is encouraged to prevent the spread and outbreak of MG and MS in the poultry industry in South Africa.

Comparing the effects of contact duration on cow and calf performance beyond separation - a prospective cohort study

BackgroundConsumers, the industry, and many farmers have shown increased interest in alternative management systems that allow for cow-calf contact (CCC) and this topic has become an important focus of research for a sustainable dairy industry. Among the many knowledge gaps still existing in this novel research field, there is a need for further research to investigate effects of CCC beyond the nursing period (i.e., after cow-calf separation). Moreover, multi-herd observational studies are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the within-herd effect of CCC on machine milk yield and calf growth beyond separation. In this prospective cohort study, we studied all cows and their calves (Norwegian Red breed) born between September 1st 2021 and January 31th 2022 at three Norwegian dairy farms, investigating the impact of CCC on machine milk yield and calf average daily gain (ADG) after separation of the cow-calf pair. The follow-up period was 305 d for cows and six months for calves. Machine milk yield was automatically registered at each milking and calf heart girth was measured once a month. As various contact durations emerged, they were categorized into three groups: no contact (NC 0–3 d), short duration (4–30 d) and long duration (> 30 d). Data were analyzed with linear mixed models with the individual animal as the unit of interest. For cows, days in milk (DIM) from date of separation up to 305 DIM were included in the analysis as a continuous variable. For calves, age up to 195 d was used in the statistical analysis.ResultsWe found no differences in machine milk yield after separation across the different contact groups: cows with no contact (n = 28), short duration (n = 51) and long duration (n = 27) of contact, all exhibited comparable milk yields from the time of separation until the end of lactation. Furthermore, in the case of calves, no disparities in average daily gain (ADG) were identified for any of the contact groups: calves with no contact (n = 39), short duration (n = 61) and long duration (n = 38) of contact, displayed comparable growth during the first six months of life.ConclusionsOur findings indicate no negative effects of CCC on machine milk yield after separation, nor any sustained effects on calf growth under the conditions of this study. More multi-herd observational studies conducted on-farm is needed to expand the understanding of effects of CCC on cow and calf performance after separation.

Evaluation of the signals of the comfort of keeping dairy cows in the conditions of an industrial dairy complex

Our three-month research and production study aimed to evaluate the manifestation of signals of the comfort of keeping lactating cows under untethered industrial technology. Ethological assessment was performed on a herd of cows of the newly created Ukrainian red dairy breed (n = 3099) with an average productivity of 6,200 kg of milk per standard lactation). The evaluation was performed visually at a fixed time between the first and second milking, with the following behavioral signs or signals determined: the number of cows resting, standing in the aisle or stall, and eating or drinking during observation. The generalized results showed that only 36.44 % of cows rested in a comfortable lying position (from 27.58 to 63.23 % in different months), 2 times less than the recommended indicators of comfort of keeping. 22.38 % of cows that ate or drank in the interval between milkings, and 27.89 % of those that did not rest but stood in aisles or stalls. It is worth noting that some of the cows that did not rest lying down in an individual stall but stood in it in an unnatural position with a decision – upper limbs above the rear ones, which remained in the passage, was a signal of the cows' discomfort with the equipment or the structure of the box and the unwillingness of the cow in stay in it The results of our research, in contrast to literature data, showed a reliable influence of observing the order and mode of distribution of feed mixture on the behavior of cows in the time between milkings. Further studies of the ethological indicators of dairy cows in the conditions of industrial technologies of maintenance and operation can provide an opportunity to improve their welfare and obtain more milk with high quality milk.

Genetic Variation and Composition of Two Commercial Estonian Dairy Cattle Breeds Assessed by SNP Data.

The aims of this study were to assess the genomic relatedness of Estonian and selected European dairy cattle breeds and to examine the within-breed diversity of two Estonian dairy breeds using genome-wide SNP data. This study was based on a genotyped heifer population of the Estonian Red (ER) and Estonian Holstein (EH) breeds, including about 10% of all female cattle born in 2017-2020 (sample sizes n = 215 and n = 2265, respectively). The within-breed variation study focused on the level of inbreeding using the ROH-based inbreeding coefficient. The genomic relatedness analyses were carried out among two Estonian and nine European breeds from the WIDDE database. Admixture analysis revealed the heterogeneity of ER cattle with a mixed pattern showing several ancestral populations containing a relatively low proportion (1.5-37.0%) of each of the reference populations used. There was a higher FROH in EH (FROH = 0.115) than in ER (FROH = 0.044). Compared to ER, the long ROHs of EH indicated more closely related parents. The paternal origin of the genetic material used in breeding had a low effect on the inbreeding level. However, among EH, the highest genomic inbreeding was estimated in daughters of USA-born sires.

GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AMONG RED COLORED BOS INDICUS SUBCONTINENT ORIGIN BREEDS USING SNP CHIP DATA

In Pakistan, Sahiwal and Cholistani cattle are considered as dairy breeds with traits of disease resistance, heat tolerance, and adaptability to high temperature. These breeds are considered two different breeds although Sahiwal is considered an off shoot of Cholistani cattle. However, these breeds have never been characterized genotypically using SNP data. Moreover, information on genotypic differentiation is unavailable for other subcontinent red colored breeds i.e., Gir, Brahman and Red Sindhi. Thus, present study was meant to investigate distinctive genetic architect if any of these red color breeds of same region of the world. Genotype data of 50K SNP Bead chip was retrieved online from Dryad database. Quality control measures were performed in Plink 1.9 software. Admixture, Principal component analysis and Multidimensional scaling were used for breeds distinction while genetic diversity was estimated using linkage disequilibrium. The genetic structure of these breeds clearly differentiated them from each other performed by admixture analysis from K =2 to K =5. Similarly, all breeds principally differentially scattered in PCA and MDS results. The study revealed different genetic structure for Cholistani and Sahiwal indicating as distinct breeds while Brahman had mixed genetic architect of other Bos indicus subcontinent breeds. The findings of the current study stress for separate genetic improvement program of Sahiwal and Cholistani cattle. Key words: Cholistani, Sahiwal, SNPs chip, Admixture, Pakistan.

Ways to increase milk productivity of Red Gorbatov breed

Ways to increase milk productivity of Red Gorbatov breed

Signatures of positive selection after the introduction of genomic selection in the Finnish Ayrshire population

The Finnish Ayrshire (FAY) belongs to the Nordic Red breeds and is characterized by high milk yield, high milk components, good fertility, and functional conformation. The FAY breeding program is based on genomic selection. Despite the benefits of selection on breeding values, autozygosity in the genome may increase due to selection, and increased autozygosity may cause inbreeding depression in selected traits. However, there is lack of studies concerning selection signatures in the FAY after genomic selection introduction. The aim of this study was to identify signatures of selection in FAY after the introduction of genomic selection. Genomic data included 45,834 SNPs. The genotyped animals were divided into 2 groups: animals born before genomic selection introduction (6,108 cows) and animals born after genomic selection introduction (47,361 cows). We identified the selection signatures using 3 complementary methods: 2 based on identification of selection signatures from runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands and one based on the decay of site-specific extended haplotype between populations at SNP sites (Rsb). In total, we identified 34 ROH islands on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 8, 12-15, 17, 19, 22, and 26 in FAY animals born before genomic selection (between 1980 and 2011) and 30 ROH islands on chromosomes 1-3, 13-17, 22, and 25-26 in FAY animals born after genomic selection introduction (between 2015 and 2020). We additionally detected 22 ΔROH islands on chromosomes 2-3, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 25-26. Finally, a total of 31 Rsb regions on chromosomes 2, 3, 14, 18, 20, and 25 were identified. Based on the results, genomic selection has favored certain alleles and haplotypes on genomic regions related to traits relevant in the FAY breeding program: milk production, fertility, growth, beef production traits, and feed efficiency. Several genes related to these traits, e.g., PLA2G4A, MECR, CHUK, COX15, RICTOR, SHISA9, and SEMA4G overlapped or partially overlapped the observed selection signature regions. The association of genotypes within these regions and their effects on traits relevant in the FAY breeding program should be studied and genetic regions undergoing selection monitored in the FAY population.

Efficiency of the use of bulls of the Russian and imported selection of the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds at the farms of the Omsk region

The possibilities of increasing the genetic potential of the breeding stock of dairy cattle by using the seed of stud bulls belonging to Russian organizations for artificial insemination of farm animals and the imported ones have been studied. The use of the Holstein breed bulls' seed of the Russian and imported selection on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds in the conditions of the Omsk region farms has been analyzed. The obtained results of researches have revealed the improving ability of stud bulls of the Russian selection, used on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed, on the main productive indices of the first and the highest lactation. The milk yield of the first heifers by 150 kg, or 2.4%, exceeded the productivity level of the imported root counterparts, the excess in fat and protein amounted to 0.1 and 0.08%, respectively. The coefficient of stability of lactation activity in this group of animals was maximum among the whole livestock – 92%. The superiority of imported rootstock animals on the main productive indicators has been identified on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed: milk yield (+769 kg), fat and protein content (+0.04 and +0.13%, respectively), milk fat and protein yield (+13 and +17%). Also, in the process of research the improving influence of the genetic potential of stud bulls of the imported selection on the whole breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed and on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed with the level of productivity of 8000 kg has been determined. The improving effect on the milk yield of the bulls of the Russian selection when they are selected to the breeding stock with the level of productivity up to 7000 kg has been found.

Population Subdivision and Migration Assessment of Mangalica Pig Breeds Based on Pedigree Analysis.

In conserving the genetic diversity of domestic animal breeds, strategies that emphasise between-breed diversity may not be optimal, as they neglect within-breed variation. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent of population subdivision in three Mangalica pig breeds and the contribution of migration to their substructure. Wright's FST coefficient was calculated based on genealogical data with breeding animals born between 1981 and 2023, with three colour variants (Blonde, Swallow-Belly and Red). These Wright's FST coefficients were analysed using multidimensional scaling to reveal the population substructure. The average FST coefficient was 0.04 for the Blonde breed and 0.047 for the Swallow-Belly and Red Mangalica breeds, while these parameters were lower in the active herds at 0.03 and 0.04, respectively. The migration of individuals between herds was 61.63% for the Blonde breed and 75.53% and 63.64% for the Swallow-Belly and Red Magalica breeds, respectively. No population substructure was observed in any of the Mangalica breeds, which can be explained by the extensive migration between herds.

Defining of Some Morphological Characteristics in order to Determine the Infrastructure of Conservation Strategies of Indigenous Cattle for Designing Sustainable Methods and Conservation of Biodiversity: Eastern Anatolian Red Example Reared Under Ex-Situ Conditions in Türkiye

This study was designed to protect indigenous animal breeds as an infrastructure for the continuation of biodiversity and to be a link in the production chain. For this purpose, the interaction of the information on Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR) breed, which were evaluated or protected according to different methods, and some morphological characters of animals reared under ex-situ conditions, with the sources of variation were evaluated. It were used materials preserved according to different methods and 207 head calves obtained during four years in the study. The materials that consisted of 350 head ex-situ, 200 head in-situ, 50 piece in-vitro was conserved in original environment. The weights and measurements of calves were recorded at birth and weaning. Difference of CV was the highest that was seen between males and females in 2022 (%9.24, %19.23 respectively) in birth. It was observed a certain level of difference for CV for BL, WH, CD, CW, CG, RH and FWG both between sexes and between years in weaning, but these differences were not as large as at birth. BW, WH, CW, CG, RH and FWG differed between sexes in birth period (p&lt; 0.05). In the same period, all body measurements were different between years (p&lt; 0.01). In weaning period, difference of CV for WW was the highest that was seen by sex in 2019 (%9.64, %15.47 female, male, respectively). In the same period, it was close CV values of body measurements determined by both sexes and years. There was an interaction between sexes and WW, CW, FWG (p&lt; 0.05), years and all body measurements (p&lt; 0.01) in the weaning period. The increase in studies on EAR breed could result in a modulation of sustainable of animal biodiversity potentially impacting livestock control and efficiency.

Influence of heat resistance on reproduction and productivity of Red Dairy Breed cows

In this article we discuss the indicators of heat resistance of cattle. The studies were carried out on the livestock of the red dairy breed: group I – the intrabreed fatty-milk type obtained by crossing the red steppe breed with the Angler, group II - animals obtained by crossing the red steppe breed with the red-mottled Holstein. It was found that with temperature comfort, the difference in temperature and pulse rate between the animals of the fatty-dairy and holstenized types was insignificant, but with the increase of the air temperature to 39 C, these indicators were increased. The respiratory rate was significantly lower in the first heifers of the fatty-milk type both at elevated temperature load and in physiologically comfortable environmental conditions. Animals of both intrabreed types resisted the specific agro-climatic conditions of Donbas quite well. In terms of adaptive abilities to the high summer temperatures of Donbas, holstenized intrabreed type animals are noticeably inferior to fat-milk intrabreed type cows.

Productivity of cows of the red steppe breed, considering the physique

As a result of a comparative assessment of the qualitative indicators of milk productivity of dairy cows of the red steppe breed of the III lactation, two controlled groups of animals were selected for the study according to two body types. It was found that broad-bodied cows have higher milk yields by 5.91% compared to narrow-bodied animals. Broad-bodied cows also produce more milk fat and protein during the standard lactation period, by an average of 21.36% and 20.5%.