Belgian blue cow: description and characteristics of the breed, content

Belgian blue cows belong to the meat direction. They were bred in the nineteenth century. Since then, this breed has been very popular. It has a unique coat color and is considered a source of tasty and he althy meat. In order for the breeding of such animals to be successful, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the basic advice of specialists and provide them with comprehensive care.

History of Breeding and Breeding

Work on breeding this breed began in Belgium in the eighteenth century. At that time, they tried to improve the quality of Dutch animals with the help of a Shorthorn cow brought from England.This helped to achieve some success. The Friesian cow was dairy, and the Shorthorn cow was beef. Due to the improvement in the species, scientists sought to obtain a universal breed that belonged to the meat and dairy direction.

Appearance and characteristics of the Belgian blue cow

Belgian cows are characterized by an unusual appearance. It is associated with mutational changes in the field of protein reproduction. At the same time, muscle growth stops, the meat becomes lean, and the food is transformed into muscles. The main features of such animals include the following:

1. Cows are characterized by a strong physique with pronounced muscles. Animals have a dry physique. They are characterized by the absence of subcutaneous fat, rapid growth.
2. Calves weigh from 40 kilograms, and adult cows - 900 kilograms. Some bulls can weigh up to 1,300 kilograms.
3. Height at the withers reaches 1.5 meters.
4. Today the breed is considered meat. Previously, it was classified as a meat and dairy business.
5. Milk yields are low. They do not exceed 4500 kilograms. However, more often they are 2000 kilograms.

Cows are characterized by a weakly expressed muscular relief. In this case, the slaughter yield reaches 70%. Animals have a strong skeleton, a large head, a powerful neck. Bulls are distinguished by strong relief and lack of horns.

Despite their intimidating appearance, representatives of this breed have a kind and calm disposition and do not show any aggression.

The color of animals is different - white-blue, blue. Often there are gray-white shades. Combined with a powerful physique, these colors often seem unnatural.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each breed of animal has certain pros and cons. Before buying, it is important to determine the goals of breeding. Belgian blue cows are suitable for meat production.

The main advantages of the breed include the following:

• good torso structure and high mobility;
• earlier development;
• accelerated weight gain;
• calm disposition;
• short period of pregnancy;
• perfectly developed muscles;
• compatibility in crossing for the purpose of obtaining crossbred calves.

At the same time, cows have some disadvantages. Heavy weight often provokes swelling of the legs. In addition, animals are considered thermophilic.

How to keep and care for the breed

Basically, the technology of growing these animals does not differ from other meat breeds.It is important to consider that these cows are considered quite thermophilic. In the southern regions, it is permissible to keep them in rooms without heating. However, in the temperate zone, it is important to take care of the quality heating of the barn in winter.

It is not recommended to breed such cows in the northern regions. They will experience a lack of physical activity for the main part of the year, which will negatively affect their he alth.

When raising such cows, the following recommendations should be observed:

1. The temperature in the barn should be +20-26 degrees.
2. It is important to make straw flooring for animals. Its height must be at least 40 centimeters.
3. The distance from the barn to the pasture should be a maximum of 150 meters.
4. Animals need lots of grass. Therefore, it is important for them to provide ample space for walking.
5. It is important to have a veterinarian who can help the animal if necessary.
6. It is forbidden to let pets out of the barn in cold weather.

Diet

Belgian blue cows require roughage. These include the following:

• hay;
• silo;
• straw;
• beets.

Animals are happy to eat fresh juicy grass. Before giving the cow straw, it is recommended to grind it and combine it with concentrated top dressing. It is also acceptable to subject the feed to heat treatment or to influence it with food alkalis. Top dressings serve as a source of vitamins and minerals. This ensures the full development of young animals and normalizes the properties of meat in adulthood. As food additives, you can use bone meal, phosphate substances without fluoride, tricalcium phosphate.

In summer, the cow eats a lot of green fodder in the pasture. At the same time, for every 450-500 kilograms of weight, there should be at least 50 kilograms of greenery. If the animal gives more than 12 kilograms of milk per day, it is recommended that he additionally introduce food waste into the diet.

In winter, animals should eat 8-10 kilograms of meadow hay, 1 kilogram of wheat bran, 2 kilograms of carrots, 3 kilograms of beets, 500 grams of bread, 4 kilograms of spring straw. Also, the diet should contain 8 kilograms of food waste and 5 kilograms of silage made from forbs.

Feed for cows is recommended to be slightly s alted, but the daily amount of s alt should not exceed 70 grams.

It is recommended to provide animals with sufficient water. At the same time, it should be cool in summer and warm in winter.

Calving Features

Belgian blues are usually characterized by heavy calving. Approximately 50% of calves are born by caesarean section. A large number of muscles provokes a narrowing of the pelvic lumen. Therefore, natural childbirth is not always possible. The first calves in a cow are usually born at 28-35 months. Pregnancy is relatively short and lasts a maximum of 285 days.

Disease prevention

To minimize the risk of developing pathologies, it is recommended to vaccinate animals in a timely manner. Every 3-6 months the veterinarian should inspect the herd. If individuals with suspicious symptoms appear, it is recommended to organize their isolation and invite a doctor for diagnosis. It is important to express your milk well to avoid developing mastitis.

Commercial benefit

Animals are characterized by high weight and a large amount of meat at slaughter.Therefore, breeding such animals is quite profitable. However, this is true only for Europe. In Russia, these animals are almost not bred, because they have an exotic appearance and are in need of a warm climate.

Where can I buy cows?

You can buy such cows in the following ways:

1. Order a calf in Europe. This method is considered expensive. It is used exclusively by large farmers. One heifer or bull will cost about $2,000. In addition, you will have to pay for transportation services.
2. Buy seed in Belgium. Its price is 300-400 euros for 100 doses of semen. The parcel is sent by mail. In this case, the biological material is packaged in a special container, in which suitable conditions are maintained to maintain its viability. The sperm is then used to inseminate normal cows.

Popular myths about the breed

Many farmers refuse to breed such cows, because they have a lot of prejudices about this. The main myths include the following:

1. The cow will die quickly. In fact, such animals have the same lifespan. In addition, they give quite viable offspring.
2. The limbs of animals are very swollen. In fact, puffiness is not too pronounced and can be easily treated.
3. The meat and milk of such cows are harmful. In fact, the gene that is responsible for building muscle does not affect the state of human he alth.

The Belgian blue cow is a unique breed that gives a lot of tasty and he althy meat. To be successful in raising these unusual animals, they need quality care.

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