Hereford cattle

Homemade meat and milk has always been valued above the factory, are considered as more useful. And due to the intensive development of the agricultural sector of Belarus has once again become a popular animal. From the cities, the people flocked to the village to breeding farms. Farmers often pay attention to breeds of cattle that can adapt to different climatic conditions and ensure good productivity. Among these animals stands the Hereford cows.

Origin of the Hereford breed

The Hereford breed of cattle is originally from the UK, where in the XVIII century, local farmers decided to improve the horned tribe. They did not suit the body type and productivity, which the local red cow could not boast. The name of the breed gave the English County of Herefordshire, in the territory of which appeared first calf Hereford.

In the XIX century the first representatives of herefords brought into Canada. And from there they came to the USA, where in a short time the breed began to improve.

Since that time, significant work was undertaken to improve the Constitution and muscle mass. External data of these animals are very muscular. They are well adapted to the climate of the Northern and Equatorial countries. Cows Hereford live in Australia, Africa, New Zealand, South and North America.

In the Soviet Union Hereford came even before the Second world war. Breeders of the Soviet Union crossed them with the local cows and got a new breed – Kazakh white-headed.

About the breed

Characteristics of the Hereford breed of cows will impress any farmer. The Hereford is hardy in any of the pastures. They are not afraid of long stretches.

Massive muscular animals look pretty rough and are different from the counterparts of other species by the following features:

• short neck and broad strong head white;
• white horns with dark tips directed forward and to the sides;
• red-brown suit;
• white nose and lips, the nape and withers, the hair on the neck and abdomen, the tassel on the tail.
• long stocky body with convex sides, are covered with thick skin;
• short stable legs;
• mild breast.

The growth of adult herefords usually higher than 130 cm, the chest girth 190-195 cm in heifers and 210-215 cm in bulls.

Today cows of Hereford breed is the most widespread in the world among the horned cattle of meat breeds. This is not surprising, since caring for them requires a lot of effort and time. They grow fast, live long, and the food is unpretentious. And in addition bring good offspring.

Buy calves Hereford cows can be a large party. You can also buy several goals to improve the tribe. Livestock market offers overseas and domestic animals. And, perhaps, better to buy cattle grown in the enterprises.

Productivity Features

Calves-herefords are born weighing 27-36 kg, respectively, larger bulls heifers. Due to their strong Constitution, easy to calve cows, and the death rate of newborn calves is minimal. With proper care and good feeding calves grow very quickly, and generally differ with the maturity. Mature cows weigh in the Russian breeding farms of up to 600 kg, bulls – up to 850. In England the figures are higher: 700 and 1000 kg, respectively. High British bull Hereford can gain one and a half tons of live weight.

Because the breed is of meat, and of milk it gives a little – about 200 kg But slaughter yield is about 60%, and sometimes reaches 70%. "marble" meat herefords juicy and nutritious, due to the high content of calories, fibers with a uniform thin fat layer. Meat quality is transmitted to new generations of cattle, so experts use this knowledge in the crossing of cows of Hereford breed with individuals of other species.

A few words about the skin. Its thickness and elasticity show good quality. Skin herefords used in footwear industry for manufacturing shoes, soles and insoles. Wallets, bags and other leather products are also manufactured using the skins of these animals.

Cows and calves

Cows Hereford-dairy, so they are not milked. Milk up to eight months of age fed calves. Extra food, they get in the pastures where we walk and graze freely with their mothers.

Furnished room for animals, you need to ensure that it was clean and dry. Because the breed adapts well to the weather, it easily tolerates even strong Siberian frosts. However, the drafts for her uncomfortable, so all the cracks in the barn needs to be caulked.

A prudent step would be the construction of indoor individual pens for cows with calves and stalls for calves. Feeders and waterers are set in the center. Also in the shed should be the place prepared for childbirth where moms-to-be lead a couple of days before calving and then take care of them for seven more days.

Feeding cows with suckling calves and bulls

Unpretentious Hereford save on your content. Usually they just feed hay, adding salt to the diet of crushed barley.

The feeding of the calf from the mother takes a lot of energy, so she requires a special diet. Just parturient cows of this breed along with the silage, rough and concentrated feeds have to mineral supplements.

Your first milk for newborns, it is necessary to obtain in the first half hour of life. Before the age of three calves feed mainly on them. Already from the 15th day you can start feeding hay, gradually adding succulent feed, and then concentrated. When the baby is six months to gain mass is 200 kg, it can be taken away from the udder. So he's more Mature and will gain weight.

Bulls it is important to feed legumes and grasses hay, concentrates and succulent feeds are of good quality, adding protein, phosphorus and calcium.

Advantages Hereford

Animals of this breed can be called unique, because they:

• great manufacturers;
• are perfectly adapted to weather conditions and maintenance;
• fast gain weight on pasture and forage sites;
• almost sick;
• provide beautiful juicy meat;
• have a calm docile nature.

Little today, to have a farm. To survive and thrive, you need to put it back on track business and calculate each and every step. Breeding beef cattle is a good idea, and Hereford cows is the perfect solution.