THE INFLUENCE OF THE GENOTYPE OF BULL CALVES ON THE FEATURES OF LINEAR GROWTH

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the features of the linear growth of male calves of the red steppe breed and their first-generation crosses with limousin and hereford breeds, as well as the exterior characteristics of purebred Red Steppe calves (group I) and their first-generation crosses with limousin (½ limousin x ½ red steppe — group II) and hereford (½ hereford x ½ red steppe — group iii). A comparative analysis of the linear growth of these calves during the growing period was conducted. It was noted that by the end of the growing period, the crossbred calves of Groups II and III outperformed purebred calves of group I in terms of chest depth by 2.7 cm (4.33%) and 3.0 cm (4.82%), chest width by 3.0 cm (7.35%) and 4.3 cm (10.54%), width of the hips by 3.1 cm (6.94%) and 3.6 cm (8.05%), width at the hip joint by 3.2 cm (7.14%) and 3.9 cm (8.70%), chest circumference behind the scapulae by 9.9 cm (5.22%) and 13.3 cm (7.02%), and semi-circumference at the rump by 7.8 cm (6.87%) and 9.5 cm (8.37%), respectively. Crossbred calves of group III showed the highest values for all body measurements. The results confirm that the genetic combination with limousin and hereford breeds has a significant impact on the physical development of crossbred calves, which is important for improving the productive qualities in beef cattle farming. The comparative analysis allows for the conclusion that these crosses can be used to improve both the exterior and productive characteristics of the herd.