The Study of Some Biozootechnical and Hereditary Characteristics of Black-and-White Dairy Cattle

Black-and-White Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Abstract

 The article investigates certain biozootechnical and hereditary characteristics of Azerbaijani Black-and-White cattle. The research was conducted on Black-and-White cattle raised in private farms located in the Samukh and Shamkir districts. Problem and objective: The study focuses on important productive and biological traits of this breed, particularly the relationship between live body weight and milk productivity. Another characteristic feature is the high milking rate during machine milking, expressed as milk yield per minute, which is of practical importance in dairy production systems. Methods: Through long-term selection, a reduction in calf birth weight has been achieved, which has helped to prevent difficult calving in the population. Under Azerbaijani conditions, animals of this breed reach approximately 340 kg live weight at 18–20 months of age, attain sexual maturity, and are inseminated. By 29–30 months of age, they enter the production cycle, allowing them to calve twice. Their service period and dry period remain within acceptable zootechnical standards. The average calving interval is 352 days, which ensures the production of approximately one calf per year under normal management conditions. Result: Research findings indicate that an increase in live body weight does not negatively affect milk production; on the contrary, it has a stimulating effect. Crossbreeding with local cattle breeds resulted in hybrid animals showing 25–30% higher levels of total protein, total globulins, and gamma globulins compared to purebred Black-and-White cattle. This demonstrates improved immune response and higher adaptive capacity, inherited from local breeds. Conclusion: The milk productivity index of Black-and-White cows raised in Azerbaijan is close to European standards of this breed. The results suggest that farmers should prioritize animals with higher body weight and better milk productivity. Scientifically based breeding programs that consider genetic and zootechnical characteristics contribute to higher efficiency and improved productivity in dairy farming systems.