The characteristics of simmentals by their economically useful traits in the con-ditions of Lviv region

Abstract

There are indicators data of body weight, body parts measurements, reproductive ability, milk production, morphological and functional properties of udder, the duration of use and economic reasons of disposal of Simmental cows in terms of Lviv oblast. It was established that the experimental cows by live weight during their growth in all ages have been prevailing minimum requirements of breed standard. They are marked by peculiar to combined breed type of body structure with well–defined not only milk but also meat forms, they had strong skeleton and were quite tall (withers height – 131.1 cm). However, the width of the breast in most cows, that is not enough for combined breed (on an average 41.4 cm). Simmentals age at the moment of the 1st insemination was 19.7, while during the 1st calving – 29.0 months, the duration of the service–period, depending on lactation, was within 96.8 – 112.0, of inter–calving period – within 381.6 – 396.9 day. They were characterized by an average fertility and high adaptablity. Simmentals milk yield, depending on lactation, was 3026,4–3810,2 kg, fat content in milk – 3.76 – 3.81% and quantity of milk fat 113.6 – 145.0 kg. Cows after the 4th calving had the highest milk productivity. During the all studied lactations cows milk yield and quantity of milk fat predominated breed standard. They had a well developed udder. 68.2% cows after the first calving had cupped udder, 25.9% – wash–tub and 6.9% – round udder. Their intensity of milk yield was 1.53 kg/min. Simmental cows duration of economic use in the conditions of Lviv oblast was 1.904.1 day or 5.3 lactations, lifetime yield – 18011, lifetime quantity of milk fat – 688 kg. Most reasons for dropped out of the herd was dysfunction of reproduction (35.7%) and low productivity (21.3%).