Belgian blue cows belong to the meat industry. They were bred in the 19th century. Since then, this breed is popular. It has a unique coat color and is considered a tasty and healthy meat source. In order for the breeding of such animals to be successful, it is recommended that you strictly follow the basic advice of specialists and provide them with comprehensive care.
History of breeding and breeding of the breed
In the 18th century, this breed was first tried in Belgium. During this time, a Dutch Shorthorn cow brought from England was used to try to improve the quality of Dutch animals. This helped get some things done. The Shorthorn cow was used for meat, and the Friesian cow was used for milk. Scientists tried to find a breed that could be used for both meat and milk because the species was getting better.
Belgian blue cow look and characteristics
America is an extraordinary form of cow. It is related to mutual changes in protein production. At the same time, muscle growth stops, the meat becomes lean, and the food turns into muscle. The main features of these animals include the following:
Cows are characterized by a strong body with clear muscles. There is a dry structure to the animals. They feature subcutaneous fat and an absence of rapid growth. The calf weighs 40 kg, and adult cows weigh 900kg. Some bulls weigh 1,300 kg.
The height of the voters reaches 1.5 meters. Today, the generation is considered meat. Earlier, it was classified as meat and milk products. Milk production is low. They are not more than 4500kg. However, it is often 2000kg.
Cows have weak muscles that don't show much relief. At the same time, the death rate goes up to 70%. The bones of animals are strong, and their heads and necks are big and strong. The bulls have a strong neck and don't have horns.
The Belgian Blue
Advantages and disadvantages
Each type of animal has both good and bad things about it. Before you buy, you should think about what you want to breed. The meat from Belgian Blue cows is good quality. Among the breed's main benefits are the following:
good torso structure and a high degree of mobility;
earlier development
accelerated weight gain
calm disposition
short pregnancy period
perfectly developed muscles
compatibility in crosses to obtain half-breed calves
However, cows have some disadvantages. Heavy weight often causes swelling in the legs. Also, animals are considered a thermo file.
Breed maintenance and care
Basically, the technology used to breed these animals is the same as that used to breed other types of meat animals. It's important to know that these cows tend to live in warm places. In the south, it's okay to keep them in rooms that aren't heated. In the temperate zone, however, it is important to make sure the barn has good heating in the winter.
- The temperature should be between +20 and +26 degrees in the barn.
- It's important to make straw flooring for animals. The height should be at least 40 centimeters.
- The distance from the barn to the pasture should be no more than 150 meters.
- Animals need lots of grass. So, it's important that they leave enough space for walking.
- It is important to have a veterinarian who can help the animal if needed.
- It is not allowed to take animals out of the barn when it is cold.
Diet
Belgian Blue cows require roughage. These include the following:
- tonight
- Silage
- straw
- Beetroot
Animals love fresh, lush grass too. Before feeding cows with straw, it is recommended to grind it and mix it with concentrate feed. It is also permissible to subject the feed to heat treatment or to treat it with edible alkali. The dressing acts as a source of vitamins and minerals. It provides full growth to young animals and normalizes meat characteristics in youth. Bone meal, non-fluoride phosphate substances, and tricalcium phosphate can be used as feed additives.
In summer, the cow eats a lot of green fodder on the pasture. At the same time, for every 450–500 kg of weight, at least 50 kg of vegetables must be harvested. If the animal produces more than 12 kg of milk per day, it is recommended to add waste to the diet in addition.
Animals should eat 8–10 kg of meadow hay, 1 kg of wheat bran, 2 kg of carrots, 3 kg of beets, 500 g of bread, and 4 kg of spring straw in the winter. In addition, the diet must include 8 kilograms of leftover food and 5 kilograms of herb silage.
Calving Traits
Belgian Blue cows usually have a hard time giving birth. Calves are born via Caesarean section about 50% of the time.A lot of muscles cause the opening of the pelvis to get smaller. So, natural childbirth is not always possible. Usually, a cow's first calf is born between 28 and 35 months. Pregnancy is short, lasting no more than 285 days.
Disease Prevention
It is best to vaccinate animals on time so that they are less likely to get diseases. A veterinarian should check on the flock every three to six months. If individuals with strange symptoms show up, it's best to keep them apart and have a doctor check them out. To keep mastitis from happening, it is important to express milk well.
Where can you buy a cow?
Order a calf from Europe. This method is considered to be expensive. Only large farmers make use of it.A heifer or a bull will cost around $2,000 Also, you will need to pay for transportation services.
