Adaptation Traits of Second Generation Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford Heifers in Northern Kazakhstan
Adaptation Traits of Second Generation Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford Heifers in Northern Kazakhstan
Nurlybay Kazhgaliyev1*, Talgat Kulmagambetov2, Dulat Ibrayev1, Saule Bostanova1 and Zhanat Titanov1
ABSTRACT
Changing climate and altered environment can significantly impact the adaptation traits among different animal species.We describe here the rationale and economics of adaptation of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford beef-producing animals brought from Canada and the Netherlands to Northern Kazakhstan. In order to investigate common zootechnic methods, daughters of imported Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cows were grouped at the age of 18-19 months with a live weight of no less than 350 kg. Groups were constituted using the analogue-pairs method and consisted of 30 cattle/group. Observations during the present study showed that the average live weight of Hereford heifers of the second generation at the age 18-22 months was 378.5 and 375.2 kg which was 8.7 and 20.6 kg (2.2-5.4%) higher than that of Aberdeen-Angus herd-mates. Chemical analysis of feedstuff was carried out in Altyndan LLP and AKA whereas physiological and clinical indicators of second-generation heifer calves were within the normal range in various seasons. The highest thermal resistance index was in animals of group I and II groups (76.4 and 78.0, respectively). Under the conditions of Akmola and North-Kazakhstan regions, the thermoneutrality or comfort temperature zone for Hereford and Aberdeen Angus breeds was within the range of +19-2 +27-31ºC. Analysis of ethology of animals showed that all groups had 0.19 functional activity index; as for the other indices, animals of group I and II groups (Hereford heifers) had a comparative advantage, they were more active and spent more time in moving and feed eating. Taken together, different breeds can be acclimatised and adapted to the varying climatic conditions through generations and thus presents practical strategy to secure food for growing population in the country.
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April 2020
Vol. 52, Iss. 2, Pages 425-824
