Adaptability and productive qualities of imported beef cattle under the conditions of the northern region of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article examines the basic acclimatization criteria of the beef cattle imported breeds of Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and Aubrac for the productive qualities and the ways of strengthening them in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. According to the research results, animals of the Aberdeen-Angus breed showed the highest relative growth rate in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. It is followed by the Hereford breed, which exceeds its Aubrac peers by 19.2%at the beginning of the growing period and by 6.1%- at the end of the period. Bulls of the Aubrac breed are on the third place according to the relative growth rate. As follows from the study measurements of experimental animals, bulls of the Aubrac breed surpassed their peers of other species by all studied measurements. In comparison with the Hereford, Aberdeen-Angus bulls were somewhat behind the development of body measurements; this does not contradict the known data on the compact physique of this breed. Fattening of Hereford bulls was characterized by the highest profitability under identical conditions (15.3%), whereas the Aubrac breed under the farm conditions was characterized by the lowest rate of return (8.9%). The Aberdeen-Angus bulls occupy an intermediate position (13.4%). Thus, when creating the beef cattle breeding industry under the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, it is the most appropriate to use animals of the Hereford and Aberdeen Angus breeds, which adjust well to local conditions.