How to choose the right cow: top 5 main criteria and types of animals

A productive cow is considered an invaluable source of milk and meat. At the same time, it will be possible to obtain high product parameters due to the correct choice of the animal. But here it is important to take into account a number of parameters. These include the age, appearance of the animal, the condition of its udder. Some farmers are even guided by folk signs. So, how can you choose the right cow?

Types of cows by direction

All breeds are divided into several groups. Given the direction, there are dairy, meat and meat-and-milk breeds. If cows are bred for milk, it is worth choosing thoroughbred individuals of the dairy direction.They are characterized by a light head and the same skeleton, elongated body, large udder, long legs. Such animals are distinguished by developed lungs and digestive organs.

If you plan to raise a cow for meat, you should choose a meat breed. Such animals are always large in size, characterized by precocity, large mass and powerful physique. The milk of such animals is only enough to feed the calves.

If you need individuals with high milk yield parameters and high-quality meat, you should look for meat and dairy animals. They are quite profitable to breed. Such individuals are characterized by average parameters of milk yield and an excellent slaughter yield. At the same time, the meat has excellent taste.

Rules for choosing cattle when buying

To buy a productive animal that differs in the required parameters, it is important to choose it correctly. In this case, it is worth considering a whole range of signs.

By appearances

To choose a good cow, you should consider the following parameters:

Head - should be elongated. A dry and light head would be a suitable option. It is important that the eyes are large and expressive, the ears are thin and bald on the inside and covered with hairs on the outside. Productive animals are characterized by medium horns, which become thinner near the base.
Neck - cows are characterized by a long neck with a lot of folds. It is important that the bib is medium in size.
Skin - it is important that it is firm and elastic. It is important to ensure that it folds easily and does not contain fat.
Body - the animal is characterized by a large body and strong bones. However, it is characterized by poorly developed muscles. A round belly makes a cow barrel-shaped. It is desirable that the chest is wide and powerful.It is characterized by wide intercostal bases. This indicates the full development of the lungs and digestive organs. It is important that the tail is long, but not thick. At the same time, the butt is slightly raised.

It is important to consider that a flat chest often indicates a threat of developing tuberculosis or other lung diseases.

Proportions are important. A productive dairy cow looks slightly angular. This is due to the full development of the back.

By age

Of course, the cow must not be old. It is often advised to buy heifers - females at 5-6 months of pregnancy. They usually cost more than a heifer but less than adults. At the same time, such a purchase has the following advantages:

opportunity to get a calf after some time;
the ability to properly milk an animal to make it a productive individual.

At the same time, the purchase is associated with certain risks:

threat of difficult labor;
unpredictable productivity parameters;
need to train heifers for milking.

Heifers or females after 2 calving are characterized by low milk production. The maximum parameters of milk yield are reached by the sixth calving. Of course, documents help determine the age of the animal. However, in many farms, information about the date of birth of the cow is not available. In such a situation, the approximate age is determined by the rings that are on the horns.

In appearance, the rings resemble recesses. They appear as a result of a change in the nutrition of peripheral tissues during pregnancy. To determine the age, you need to count the number of rings on the horns and add 2, since the first calving is observed at 2 years old.

If a cow had a calving every year, the rings will differ in a uniform arrangement. In the absence of calving in some year, the distance will be uneven. It is also possible to determine the age by the teeth.

On the udder

In order to acquire a productive dairy cow, it is recommended to examine the mammary glands. To get the maximum milk, you need to choose an animal that has a wide bowl-shaped udder. It is important that it protrudes well and fits close to the body. It is desirable that all 4 shares have an even and symmetrical arrangement.

When probing the mammary glands, it is important to ensure that they have a soft texture and elasticity. It is important to ensure that there are no hardenings. When examining the nipples, it is recommended to control that they have equal sizes - 8-10 centimeters in length and 2-3 centimeters in diameter. Productive cows are characterized by cylindrical teats.However, they must hang vertically. It is important that there are no wounds or growths on their surface.

It is important that the veins are clearly visible in the udder - this indicates the full development of the circulatory system.

It is not recommended to buy females that have a drooping triangular udder. It should not have developed lobes or thick and long nipples. Usually such animals bring a minimum of milk. The udder grows and develops up to 4-6 births. After 7-8 calving, extinction is observed. The maximum productivity of cows occurs after 4 calving. The duration of lactation depends on the conditions of detention. It is also affected by a balanced diet, quality care, proper milking technique.

For he alth reasons

To get a quality heifer, you should pay attention to the following signs:

peppy look;
he althy teeth;
firm yet light gait;
groomed coat - it is important that it shines;
live eyes with glitter.

Sick animals constantly lie down and move little. They cough frequently. Also in this case, sad eyes, dull hair, and a drooping head are observed. Cows often have discharge from the nose and eyes. Loss of appetite is also common.

According to popular beliefs

There are various signs that help you choose a productive dairy cow. Of course, they only make certain assumptions about performance parameters. To specialists, some signs seem completely absurd.

However, people often consider the following when buying a cow:

If an animal has 8 nipples, this indicates high milking parameters.
The presence of a deep hole between the horns indicates high milk production parameters.
Productivity is evidenced by a downward forelock.
If a cow has a lot of sulfur in her ears, this indicates a high fat content of milk.
If the animal has a round end of the yellowish tail, you should expect high fat milk.

When choosing a cow, first of all, you should focus on high parameters of milk production. These indicators are influenced by hereditary inclination, age, exterior. If you take into account all of the above parameters, you will be able to get a lot of fat milk.