#high-yield dairy breeds

[farmerstrend]

Boosting Kenya’s Dairy Sector: JKUAT and Tassels Farm Enter Partnership on Dairy Farming

“Discover how JKUAT’s partnership with Tassels Farming Ltd is transforming Kenya’s dairy sector through advanced training, modern infrastructure, and sustainable practices in agribusiness education.” “Explore the impact of JKUAT and TSL’s collaboration on Kenya’s dairy industry, focusing on high-yield breed development, practical farmer training, and sustainable dairy farming innovations.” “Learn…

[serpentface]

A kulustaig bull, the distinctive cattle landrace of the highlands.

Kulustaig have striking differences to other native cattle found across the Imperial Wardi claimed territory. Their aurochs ancestors were domesticated in a separate event from those found south of the Inner Seaways, and the broader cattle population kulustaig derived from may have trace bison genetics. The progenitors of this landrace were brought south across the Viper seaway by the ancestors of the contemporary Hill Tribes, and were gradually shaped into the kulustaig in adaption to the high altitudes, mild but dry summers, and cool/snowy wet seasons.

These cattle are mid-sized and stocky in build with large, broad faces, most distinguished by curly manes and 'beards' and thick, V-shaped horns. Genetically undiluted kulustaig are almost ubiquitously black, white, and/or gray, though breeding with other cattle has introduced a greater variety of coloration in contemporary stocks.

They are adapted to higher altitudes, having larger hearts and a bigger lung capacity than comparable lowland breeds, and grow thick, curly winter coats that allow for superior resistance to seasonally cooler temperatures. They can maintain condition on less food and lower-nutrition grasses than the average cattle, and are excellent instinctive foragers. This particular quality makes them attractive for crossbreeding efforts with cattle stock of the dry scrublands in the south of Imperial Wardin, though most of their other traits are highly unfavorable for hot, low altitude environments, and scrub-kulustaig hybrids with idealized traits are rare (and highly sought after as studs).

These are all-purpose cattle that can adequately fulfill roles as meat, draft, and dairy animals, though the latter role has the most importance in day to day life, and they show the most selection for milk production (though are not as high-yield as pure dairy breeds). Their meat is mostly lean and somewhat gamey, as they rely more on thick winter coats than fat stores to manage cold, and the vast majority subsist entirely on wild grasses and forage.

Most kulustaig have fairly calm, gentle temperaments, and accommodate well to human handling (it is not uncommon for cows and geldings to be passively ridden by herders otherwise traveling on foot). Their herds have strong, well defined, and stable dominance hierarchy structures, which reduces actual fighting and lends to them being more easily managed by their human herders. In most traditions, the dominant female in each herd is regarded as blessed by and belonging to the agricultural goddess Od, and will not be milked or slaughtered (this untouchable status is often maintained even if the cow's rank in the hierarchy is displaced, though traditions vary).

Bulls are almost ubiquitously given personal names by their owners (the honor often belonging to a family or clan's matriarch, who is generally considered the owner of the herd and other familial assets), while other traditions vary between just the bulls and dominant cows, personal favorites, or entire herds receiving names.

These cattle are of tremendous importance to the peoples of the highlands (particularly tribes and/or individual clans living above the river valleys, who fundamentally rely upon them for subsistence). They provide much of the meat and dairy that the core diet revolves around, and are the greatest measure of wealth within the highlands. Non-native cattle can be commonly found in parts of the highlands in the contemporary (and may be bred in to impart unique qualities to established stock, such as improved milk production or fattier meat), but kulustaig are typically prized above all the rest. These cattle are often a source of great pride for individual clans, and one of few agreed upon markers of shared identity and pride for all of the collective Hill Tribes.

Cattle raiding is a near-ubiquitous practice (both as a practical resource acquisition, and a less immediately lethal method of settling larger disputes than open warfare), and most cattle will be branded with a mark identifying their owning clan as a method of dissuading theft (often futile, particularly given cattle marked as belonging to certain wealthy clans may be especially prized). Nose rings are commonly used to assist in the handling of bulls, but have secondary protective functions that lend to their common use in even the most docile of cattle. Rings are usually blessed or have spells woven into their making as a supernatural barrier against theft, or against malicious (or at least devious) mountain spirits such as tiirgranul (who take pleasure in frightening cattle (and their herders) and are known to cause stampedes) or wildfolk (who are known to sometimes steal or curse cattle when offended, or just bored).

The word kulustaig derives from the common word 'taig'/'taigr', which refers to cattle in the contemporary languages of both the Hill Tribes and Finns, and the 'kul' root (heavily antiquated and not used in contemporary speech, most commonly recognizable in the name of the kulys plant), which has connotations of hardiness/robust qualities. The name would have derived from complimentary descriptions of the animals as 'the best and most robust of cattle'.

[horsesarecreatures]

Are we still breeding or are we just multiplying?

At the VZAP general meeting, the agricultural scientist Andreas Perner gave an interesting lecture on current problems in purebred Arabian breeding, which we used as an opportunity for the following interview. This is about undesirable developments in Arabian breeding, which have arisen primarily through specialization and selection on individual characteristics, and he sees parallels in cattle breeding where the changes are scientifically substantiated.

IN THE FOCUS: Mr. Perner, in your presentation at the VZAP general meeting you pointed out some parallels that exist between cattle and horse breeding. Why should we concern ourselves with cattle when we are actually interested in horses?

Andreas Perner: Because there are numerous parallels. The primitive cattle were characterized by an enormous chest cavity with plenty of space for the organs, relatively fine legs and a pelvic shape with a high sacrum so that birth could proceed quickly. Through breeding selection, a major change in this appearance has taken place over the last 100 years, including extreme specialization in beef and dairy cattle. Since cows as farm animals have long been the focus of science, one also has easy access to data, e.g. milk yield, slaughter weight, but also bone measurements, etc., which can also be used to document such changes. In animal breeding, a distinction is made between two constitution types: the asthenic and the athletic. The representatives of the Holstein cattle, a highly specialized breed of dairy cattle, today almost exclusively belong to the asthenic constitutional type: large, tall and narrow, i.e. less space in the chest for the organs, rather poor feed conversion, etc. Male calves of this breed are so weak in the muscle development that they no longer have any economic (slaughter) value. Before this extreme specialization in milk production, this breed corresponded to a dual-purpose cattle (milk and meat) and thus more of the athletic constitution type, which has become very rare today. One can definitely draw parallels here with Arabian breeding, where the Arabian show horse was bred through specialization – and became also an asthenic, tall, long-legged, with little depth to the trunk. And among Arabians, too, the athlete, the medium-sized, broad, deep-rumped Arabian of the “old type” who is also a good feed converter, is becoming increasingly rare. From a population genetic point of view, this is a major catastrophe and countermeasures must be taken.

IN THE FOCUS: If we ignore the outside appearance, i.e. the conformation – are there any other changes that have occurred as a result of this specialization?

A. P.: In the last 30-40 years, dairy cattle have increasingly been bred for maximum performance (milk production) in the young animals, i.e. there has been conscious selection for early maturity. This has resulted in serious changes in the animals: through selection for early maturity, the useful life has been extremely shortened due to high susceptibility to disease and fertility problems – the latter is the main cause of loss in cattle breeding. This can also be proven with figures: In Germany today a cow has an average of 2.4 calves, but biologically it can have 14-15 calves. The “useful life” of cows is now at an all-time low. The selection for early maturity also has an impact on the quality of the claws: the early maturing animals need claw care three times a year, because the claws are soft and grow very quickly. In contrast, slow, long-lasting growth – i.e. late maturity – ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan. Late-maturing cattle only need hoof care once a year, sometimes only every two years, because they have extremely good, strong hoof horn. All this can also be transferred to the horse, because the horse’s hoof horn is also of better quality in late-maturing animals. This all depends on the high quality of the connective tissue. If you breed late-maturing animals, they often look underdeveloped when they are young and breeders often do not recognize their true quality. It is also a feature of breeding for longevity that it produces healthier animals, which statistically incur significantly less veterinary costs (i.e. only a quarter of the costs) in cattle breeding. Here, too, the parallels to horse breeding seem clear to me: the late-maturing types have no chance at shows in the junior classes, which is why show horse breeding promotes the early-maturing type. Late maturing horses often look like “ugly ducklings”, but often they only become “beautiful swans” when they are 6 years old or older. Egyptian breeding has had this problem for a long time, which is why you see fewer and fewer Egyptians at international shows or they have their own shows where they are not in competition with the early-maturing “show horses”.

IN THE FOCUS: When you say that a late-maturing horse is characterized by long-term growth, which then ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan, the Russians come to mind. But it is precisely these that are tested on the racetrack very early, as early as two-year-olds. Isn’t that a contradiction?

A. P.: As far as I know, the two-year-old horses are prepared very carefully for the racetrack and the trainers make sure that they are not overstrained. The horses also have time to develop further – they are encouraged to exercise without being overstrained. As a result, they develop better, become wider in the chest, more muscular overall, the entire organism becomes stronger, etc. But ultimately what matters is: How old do the horses get in good health – and therefore without major veterinary costs? And in the case of breeding animals there is also the question: How good is their fertility? There are Russian stallions with racetrack careers who are still mating naturally at the age of 28, mares who still have foals at well over 20 years of age, and the Arabian mare Nefta in Pompadour, France, had one foal every year between 1975 and 1995, i.e. 21 foals in total! I don’t know of any such examples from show horse breeding without the use of embryo transfer (but I’m happy to be informed!). In warmblood breeding you can see what selection for early-maturity does, especially with show jumping horses, the horses often have a nerve cut at 8 to 9 years of age, then you have two more years of use, so to speak, and then they go to the slaughterhouse. Or think of the hypermobility of dressage horses, which have weak connective tissue and the resulting weakness of the joints, capsules and ligaments as well as the tendons and muscles. That cannot be the breeding goal.

Any selection that is not also focused on fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate.

IN THE FOCUS: To what extent have modern selection methods influenced the development of specialization?

A. P.: Specialization in cattle has been driven forward in the last 10 years by genomic breeding value estimation, which has now also found its way into horse breeding. For this method, the entire genome had to be sequenced and all performance parameters were then assigned to specific gene loci. Then, using complicated calculations, one could get an estimate of what performance the animal in question will perform in the future. In this way, it was possible for a young cow to achieve a milk production of over 40 kg per day, but the animals are no longer physiologically able to absorb enough nutrients to be able to achieve this output at all! As a result, over 90% of young cows end up with severe organ damage in the slaughterhouse. This means that the animals can endure it for a certain amount of time, mobilize all their body reserves but at some point their metabolism switches off and liver damage occurs, which ultimately leads to death. Part of the problem is that selection according to the wrong parameters took place. Instead of taking “longevity” and “health” into account, they only selected for “milk production”. A lot of breeding knowledge is also lost due to the convenient catalogue selection. The people who are in charge of cattle breeding today only use the preliminary breeding value or the genomic value for planning the matings. We are not quite there yet in horse breeding and especially not in Arabian horse breeding. But here too, a lot of breeding knowledge has been lost in recent years!

IN THE FOCUS: How can you avoid such a development in horse breeding as you have outlined for cattle breeding?

A. P.: In our association “European Association for Natural Cattle Breeding” we have selected cow families that have proven to be long-lived over several generations and in which the animals have produced over 100,000 litres of milk in the last 3 to 4 generations. We buy bulls from these cows. We have also inseminated such cows with semen from bulls that lived 30 or 40 years ago, and we now have the first 200 daughters of this F1 generation of the appropriate age. What’s exciting is that the animals produce almost as much milk as their “high-performance relatives”, but are significantly healthier! The question now is: How to continue breeding with the F1 generation – this requires a lot of breeding experience and knowledge. But this is exactly what young farmers are missing. In horse breeding we have the same problem, where the most diverse bloodlines are crossed together and due to Mendel’s rules the appearance then splits in all directions in the F2 generation, and top horses that cost a lot of money produce maximum average offspring, as can be seen from the example of the gelding Agnat (pedigree see AP 2-22). That’s why we offer information in our association on the topic: How do you have to breed in order to achieve a high level of heredity reliability? To do this you have to use the old breeding methods, i.e. line breeding, occasional inbreeding, always working with blood connection. Then I don’t have the problem of anything splitting.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s stay with Arabian breeding: What are the breed-typical characteristics that you should select for?

A. P.: Breeding means selecting. That doesn’t mean that the horses that are not suitable for breeding go to the slaughterhouse. But you have to decide which horses go into breeding based on which characteristics and which don’t. Those that do not go into breeding should still have enough quality that they can survive in their respective market segment (riding horses, show horses, racing horses). Characteristics typical of Arabians that need to be maintained are a hard constitution, suitability for long-term performance, high age, high fertility, good feed conversion, lively but benign temperament, sociability and people-oriented nature. The suitability for long-term performance is due, among other things, to the fact that the Arabian has the most haemoglobin per litre of blood (compared to warm-blooded and cold-blooded horses). Haemoglobin is responsible for supplying oxygen to the muscles, and it is therefore important that the Arabian can also mobilize the haemoglobin reserves in the body most efficiently at the same time. In this context there is also a high regenerative capacity. All of this is deeply anchored genetically, but if you don’t pay attention to these characteristics, i.e. if you don’t select for them, then these characteristics are lost within few generations. In animal breeding we speak of genotype-environment interaction, i.e. if I decrease the selection for certain characteristics, then these are gradually (and unnoticed) lost. The lifespan of Arabians is often 25 years, and horses over 30 are not uncommon. Regarding fertility, there are examples from the state stud farms where mares had 15 to 20 foals and demonstrated high fertility into old age. In addition, the Arabian horse has the highest milk yield (in grams) per kg live weight, which is also a sign of good feed conversion and efficiency. In Tersk Stud, milk production is used as a selection criterion because they don’t want mothers who don’t produce enough milk.

IN THE FOCUS: Which other results from constitutional research on cattle can be transferred to horses or the Arabian horse?

A. P.: A whole series of points come to mind: we have already covered some of the constitutional types and early maturity/late maturity, plus there is sexual dimorphism, i.e. the difference between male and female animals, breeding rules, breeding methods, the importance of mare families, the selection for size and the effects of show breeding, which also occurs with cattle!

The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine are their female offspring.

Sexual dimorphism is a true secondary sexual characteristic caused by different hormone constellations between the sexes. These sex hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex of stallions and mares. In addition, testosterone is produced in the testicles of stallions and estrogens are produced in the ovaries of mares. One such secondary sexual characteristic is, for example, the “stallion neck or crest”. If we now breed horses where stallions and mares look the same, where there is no longer any visible difference between the sexes – what happens on the hormonal level? The natural hormonal balance shifts, testosterone decreases, and the stallion’s neck disappears. In the long term, however, we are selecting against fertility, i.e. fertility will deteriorate! That’s also what you hear more and more often – behind closed doors: stallions have poor semen quality and mares are becoming increasingly difficult to conceive – you often have to use all the tricks of modern reproductive technology to get the animals pregnant at all. By the way, there is an old animal breeding law that says: “The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine their female offspring are.”

IN THE FOCUS: Breeding is a very complex matter, as we can see. What breeding principles can you give to a “young breeder”?

A. P.: Yes, what have we learned for breeding from all this research?

Never massively select for individual traits if you don’t understand the whole thing. This is going to shit. I would like to cite one of the most significant experiments in the history of animal breeding here: In the 1950s, the Russian biologist Dimitri Belyayev and his colleagues began to capture wild silver foxes, select them for tameness and repeatedly breed the animals selected according to this criterion with each other. The aim was to recreate domestication (becoming pets) in an experiment. So what happened? Already after the 3rd generation, serious changes occurred in the phenotype (external appearance): change in fur color, lop-eared ears, curly tails, shortening of the extremities, shortening of the upper and lower jaw, change in the texture of the fur, change in torso length, etc. There are a number of hypotheses to explain this phenomenon, but explaining them here would go too far. It is important to know that only a small part of the entire genome is activated; the rest are so-called “sleeping genes”. Environmental influences or selection pressure from outside (= breeding) do not change the genetic material itself, but rather the intensity with which certain parts of it are read and converted into molecules such as hormones. The conclusion for the breeder remains: selection for one characteristic ultimately changes entire complexes of characteristics!!!

Any selection that is not also aimed at fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate. As already mentioned at the beginning, the physiological basis for longevity and long-term performance is slow, long-lasting growth (=late maturity). Opposite to this is the complex of characteristics of “early maturity”, i.e. fast, short growth, high and intensive performance at a young age and the associated rapid aging. Research on cattle has shown that intensive selection for early and high milk production of the animals dramatically reduces their useful life. Before the animals are even fully grown (with 4 calves), a very high percentage of dairy cows have to leave the stable due to illness. These early-mature animals are physiologically incapable of maintaining this performance. On the other hand, late-maturing animals begin with medium performance, develop slowly and only achieve high and highest performance when they are fully grown. The organism with all its metabolic processes is then well “trained”, connective tissue, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments and claws are of high quality (because they have grown slowly) and the animals produce well into old age without any health problems. Everything that has just been said also applies in reverse to horse breeding. The rapid success pushes breeding towards early maturity with devastating consequences for the horses and ultimately for the horse owner.

Function determines form. I have to think about what breeding goal do I have? If I want to breed a riding horse, it needs certain riding horse points and it has to be ridden so that these can be checked. If I want to breed a racehorse, it has to be fast – it is this function (speed) that dictates the form. But if I want to breed a show horse, it has to fit into a conformation template that was developed by some people (judges). So here the form comes first, and the horse is bred to adapt to this form, which is fundamentally wrong.

IN THE FOCUS: There are different breeding methods to achieve your breeding goal. Could you briefly explain to us what these are?

A. P.: I actually come from a generation before population genetics. My grandfather had nothing to do with these theoretical considerations. But these people still developed different breeding methods based on their experience – and these are still valid today. The breeding methods commonly used for the Arabian horse are:

Line breeding – this means that we find a (minor) relationship on both the father’s and mother’s side, so we bring together related genes, so to speak, from breeding animals that correspond to our breeding goals and are selected as best as possible. Because of the slight relationship, I have a high degree of certainty that the next generation will be as good as or better than the parent generation.

We talk about inbreeding when you have outstanding breeding animals and you want to consolidate or increase this gene pool through breeding close relatives. Of course, inbreeding is only possible if the animal is free of any genetic defects. Inbreeding not only solidifies the good sides, but also the hereditary defects or undesirable traits and brings them forward. Two recessive genes can appear homozygous, i.e. monozygotic, through inbreeding. If the genetic makeup then contains a genetic defect, this genetic defect is present in a monozygotic form and it comes into play (e.g. CA, SCID). How close the inbreeding can be is a matter of debate. Basically, a generation postponement is always good. Before it was possible to test for hereditary defects using genetic tests, father-daughter matings were made – if the father was a hidden (recessive) carrier of a hereditary defect, this would come to light. Today’s genetic tests can save you from having dead or deformed foals. In any case, the use of inbreeding must be embedded in a breeding plan and strict selection must take place!

“Unplanned mating” – here the nice stallion around the corner or the super show crack is used without much consideration as to how well he suits the mare and what effects this has. Let’s take Agnat’s example again: His sire Empire was bronze champion at the European Championships as a junior and in the top ten at the World Championships. Grandfather Enzo was US National Champion, his grandmother Emira was All Nations Cup Champion, his other grandfather QR Marc was World Champion, and Kwestura was also World Champion and the most expensive horse at a Polish auction. His pedigree really shows the “Who’s Who” of show horse breeding and yet the combination of all these illustrious names resulted in a completely ordinary horse. So what happened there? It’s simple: In this pedigree everything is mixed together and then Mendel’s splitting rule kicks in and it splits in all directions in the F2 generation. As a consequence, the major show horse breeders then switch to embryo transfer, producing embryos from different sires, e.g. B. 10 foals, 9 of the resulting foals do not meet the requirements of a show horse and are sold cheaply, and the one that meets expectations goes into the show. But the fact that 9 foals do not meet the breeding standard is kept quiet. This is “trial and error” and has nothing to do with “breeding”. That’s why I am an absolute opponent of these methods.

Outcross – how an outcross works properly in terms of breeding is generally not known to many. So here’s an example: the stallion Kurier, bred at the Khrenovoje stud farm, a stud farm that was known for its extreme racing performance breeding. The damline is Russian, the outcross comes through the stallion Egis from Poland, a Derby winner of which the Russians have hoped to get not only a blood refreshment, but also the highest performance. In terms of breeding, the way it works now is that the stallion Egis gets the 5 best mares from the entire mare population to cover and his two or three best sons then go into breeding. Only these sons are then widely used in the broodmare band. Breeding means thinking in generations!

Displacement breeding – generally speaking, this involves replacing certain traits with others. In animal breeding, this is usually done by crossing with other breeds. In Arabian breeding this happens through a different type of horse within the breed. This can currently be seen in the Polish state stud farms, where show horse stallions, sometimes in the third generation, are being used indiscriminately on the thoroughly bred Polish mare base, so that Polish blood is being increasingly suppressed. What is currently happening there is a displacement crossing with show horses. In doing so, within 20 years they are ruining everything that has been built and consolidated over 150 years of breeding work.

Selection – in the large stud farms you could actually still select. Every year you have 50 or more foals and you select the 3 to 4 best ones, the rest go to the remonte, i.e. they become riding horses and are therefore taken from the breeding gene pool. But if, as a small private breeder, I only breed one foal in 10 years, the selection becomes difficult. The golden rule in animal breeding is: always double the good! Then you have a high degree of security in inheritance.

IN THE FOCUS: Mare families traditionally play a major role in horse breeding – and in Arabian breeding in particular. Why is that?

A. P.: Scientifically, this can be attributed to the so-called cytoplasmic inheritance. During fertilization, the stallion only contributes the sperm, and of that only the cell nucleus. The mare, however, contributes the egg cell with the cell nucleus and around it the cytoplasm with the cell organelles, and especially the mitochondria. The mitochondria are also carriers of genetic material and are responsible for the energy metabolism of the cells. These mitochondria are always passed on from mother to foal in the egg cell. A colt has the benefit of this, but cannot pass on this mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to its offspring. Only a filly can pass this on to the next generation. Therefore, the female line can be traced back into the past using mtDNA. Maternal performance lines such as Sabellina in Poland and Sapine in Russia are also known in Arabian horse breeding.

IN THE FOCUS: What advice would you give to a breeder who wants to buy a mare for breeding?

A. P.: A breeder should look at the damline of the mare in question. If possible, you should choose a mare from a damline that has undergone performance tests. Ask the breeder about the number of foals for the mother, grandmother, etc.? This gives an indication of fertility. If the last three generations consist of mares that meet all the criteria, you can also count on a resounding inheritance in the mare that you want to buy or with which you want to breed, i.e. a high degree of heredity security. If you buy a broodmare that has already had foals, you should ask whether this mare gave birth without any problems, did she become pregnant immediately, did she accept the foal? If we select better with regards to fertility, this will save a lot of unnecessary veterinary costs! The problem today is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain such data, because even studbooks usually only contain those foals that are born healthy and are considered “worthy of registration” by the breeder – the number of coverings that are used to become a mare pregnant, the number of resorptions, abortions, stillbirths, all of this is unfortunately no longer recorded today. Another problem is that most broodmares are kept by small breeders where they have no chance of having 10 or more foals because they are only bred once or twice in their lives. Based on today’s studbook data, it is not possible to determine whether a broodmare that only had two foals in 10 years was bred more often but did not produce a live foal, or was only used for breeding twice. And a good broodmare also has good milk production! In the large state stud farms in Poland and Russia, this was recorded as a selection criterion because it is also one of the good maternal qualities.

IN THE FOCUS: How can the “lack of data” be remedied, since it is the members of the associations who have decided that only the absolutely necessary data will be recorded, or that stillbirths or abortions will not be reported to the stud book at all?

A. P.: Yes, that is a problem. But I think we’re at a point now where we have to think about where do we want to go with breeding Arabian horses in the next 20 or 30 years? The breeders should arrange for the associations to collect the relevant data. The same applies to proof of performance, regardless of whether it is equestrian sport, racing, endurance or show.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s move from mares to stallions: Stallions have a much greater influence on breeding in terms of numbers. For example, QR Marc has sired over 850 offspring in the last 15 years…

A. P.: What makes a good stallion? For me he has to have performance-tested ancestors, he must be free of hereditary defects, proven performance, best conformation and – very important – an impeccable character. If a stallion is problematic and cannot be handled, he has no place in breeding. Let’s get to the question: How do I breed a good stallion? For me, this is the most exciting question of all! I currently see far too few good young stallions in Arabian horse breeding in order to have a few good stallions available for breeding in 5 or 10 years. How to address this problem? In breeding you can say: behind every good stallion there is a good stallion mother. The mare from which you want to breed a future sire is extremely important. Good mares in particular should remain in breeding and planned, targeted matings should be encouraged.

IN THE FOCUS: What dangers do you see in show horse breeding?

A. P.: My job here as a population geneticist is to point out developmental trends. One must be aware of the dangers of where the path leads if we continue in this direction for a long time. I want to come back to the cattle here to show what effects show breeding has, because it really runs in parallel:

Just like in Arabian breeding, in cattle breeders try to achieve a straight topline. The topline must be completely straight, only then it corresponds to the show standard. But what happens when this has been achieved? By selecting for the straight topline, the sacrum descends into the pelvis and makes birth more difficult. The birth ducts become smaller (narrower) because – as desired by breeders – the sacrum lowers.

Poorly developed muscles in the hindquarters – let’s remember again the male calves mentioned at the beginning, which have poor muscles. This is due to the fact that the spinous processes of the sacrum have shortened by 2-3 cm due to incorrect selection. This means that the attachment area for the muscles is lost and this creates these muscle-poor pelvises. And I see exactly this tendency with the show horses.

In cattle breeding, a survey has shown that over 90% of Holstein cattle are asthenics, i.e. tall, narrow animals, while less than 10% are athletics, i.e. the medium-framed type with the broad chest, which could compensate for this in the population. Now you actually want to breed an animal that is as well balanced as possible, but to do this you would have to have a medium-framed, broad stallion/bull available for the vast majority of animals. However, these only make up less than 10% of the population. And this is exactly the direction horse breeding is going in!

The position of the hip joint, in cattle this is called the inverter, meaning the point at which the thigh attaches to the pelvis. The selection for the straight topline tends to shift the hip joint backwards, which means that the animal has to put the hind legs behind the body, which in turn has a negative impact on movement, creates kidney pressure and significantly worsens the resilience of the back.

The extreme “typey” head with dish is, in my opinion, a deformation. Anyone who demands a minimum level of performance from their horse will recognize that a horse with an extreme dish will have trouble breathing. This would require research to understand the exact connections. But we know from dogs and cats that the shortening of the nose does not reduce the amount of mucous membrane material in the nasopharynx. However, this is no longer tight, but rather “wrinkled”, which leads to the familiar wheezing breathing noises. The lower jaw and the ridge are no longer straight, but are curved, which leads to dental problems. Teeth change very slowly in evolutionary terms. The desert Arabians’ teeth are too large for today’s delicate heads and therefore have space problems in their jaws.

The refinement of the head in particular, but also of the entire horse, and the associated lack of gender type in the stallions. This has, for example, effects on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls the entire hormonal process in the organism. It shrinks and you intervene directly in the animal’s hormonal balance and ultimately select against fertility. Here is also an example from cattle breeding: we are increasingly receiving feedback from farmers about weak contractions during birth. What happened here: the hormone oxytocin is responsible for water retention in the tissues before birth and during birth for triggering contractions. All of these natural regulators are significantly weakened by the change in the pituitary gland; the hormone levels are too low. As a result, the contractions during birth mean that the remaining blood is not sufficiently pressed from the placenta via the umbilical cord into the foetus. A normal calf has around 7 litres of blood in its system shortly after birth. If contractions are weak, the calves are usually taken out using mechanical pulling aid and the calves often only have around 3.5 litres of blood in their system and are therefore clearly weak and have to be brought with great effort through the first three weeks of life or even die.

Insufficient depth of the thorax means that the animal has no space for the organs, especially for the heart and lungs. Such animals lack endurance and performance, and the performance of the lymphatic system is significantly reduced.

The middle section is too long – although a feature of the Arabian horse is its short back! Nevertheless, long backs are selected here, which means that the animals have backs that are far too soft and the backs are no longer stable. The long back causes the loins to sink and the animals can no longer walk without pain.

Significant weaknesses in the connective tissue. Selection for early maturity and the associated rapid growth lead to a significant weakening of the connective tissue. We examined this in cattle over long periods of time based on the suspension of the uterus in the abdomen/pelvis and the back formation of the uterus after birth. Swollen legs and swollen hocks are a sign of this weakness in the connective tissue in horses – and these animals are ultimately completely useless as riding horses.

IN THE FOCUS: An important aspect today is size. The Arabian horse, which was imported to Europe 200 years ago, was often smaller than 1.50 m, but today customers demand a horse that should be 10 cm taller. What “dangers” can we expect when our “cultural Arabs” become bigger and bigger?

A. P.: In cattle, we examined what happens when the animals get bigger and heavier and what effects this has. On average, a cow weighs around 600 kg. If we now have 100 kg more body weight, this inevitably means an enormous increase in resources just to maintain the body. I agree with H. V. Musgrave Clark, an English Arabian breeder who valued small horses around 1.45 m and did not use any animal for breeding that was over 1.53 m. He lived in America for several years and worked there as a post rider and his insight was that medium-sized horses always had the greatest endurance. For us, this means that selection for excessive size, i.e. for animals that are over 1.60 – 1.65 m, is not effective. The size must fluctuate freely, which means there may well be animals that are larger, but you shouldn’t select especially for this.

IN THE FOCUS: What could happen next?

A. P.: The state stud farms are dissolving, unfortunately one has to say that. In Russia, Khrenovoye was privatized and Arabian breeding was abandoned. Tersk is also privatized and today has three different breeding programs, racehorses, show horses and “Classic Russian”, although this last group is becoming smaller and smaller. In Poland we have seen that displacement breeding with show horses is taking place. If this goes on for another 10 years, there will be nothing left of the original Polish Arab. But there are also small glimmers of hope. A very interesting project was launched in Spain back in 2003. A breeding value for performance tests was developed; there are different selection levels, including young horse selection, tested sires and elite sires. Finally, I would like to introduce a project that we have launched here in cattle breeding. We have decided to maintain long-term performance breeding because this type of cattle has no chance at all due to genomic selection and breeding value estimation as currently carried out. We therefore founded an association and then looked for cow families that met our criteria for long-term performance breeding. Then we bought bulls from them, i.e. we now have almost 40 bulls in the insemination station, we have our own semen depot, and we use it to supply farmers who are interested in this type of breeding. Something similar could also be applied to the Arabian horse. You would need a Europe-wide breeding platform, and of course you have to think about how you could finance something like that. Then you need much better data collection, research work would have to be done, you would have to network the individual initiatives (like in Spain, see above), record stallion and mare lines to see which ones are at risk, start a survey to find out which frozen semen from older stallions still exist and – and this is very important to me – there needs to be a transfer of knowledge. It would be necessary to offer breeding advice for the next, younger generation of breeders, because otherwise the old hippological knowledge would be completely lost.

IN THE FOCUS: Thank you very much for your clear words and your commitment to preserving the old values in our breed.

The interview was conducted by Gudrun Waiditschka.

[princeofgluttony]

So it seems that most people so far have taken a liking to Moose, and I can’t really blame them, because he’s such a cute moo boy. He’s one of my favourites too, so here’s more about Moose!

He’s a genetically engineered specimen for a selective breeding program to produce greater dairy yield. He’s basically been genetically modified in such a manner that he constantly produces milk in excess of his intake, even in times when food is scarce.

He produces high yields of milk, roughly 5 gallon or so a day. However, if not milked regularly, he continues to swell with milk in exponential amounts, producing more milk than he would if milked regularly. No upper limit has yet been found to how much he can swell. He has uniquely supple, elasticated skin which enables tissue to stretch and return to its original size without damage or irritation. However, soreness and pressure pain from excess swelling can be a frequent problem.

Moose’s high metabolism gives him a naturally large appetite, and is able to eat to greater capacity than most other creatures his size, doing so frequently to maintain healthy milk output. Due to this, his weight fluctuates a lot. It’s common for him to gain his way up to immobility, spend a few months metabolising his excess fat into milk, before returning to his original size.

He’s not only used as a dairy cow, as the process that increases his milk output, has a similar effect on ‘manure’ output. His increased appetite and fast metabolism means that he digests vast amounts of food quickly and efficiently. While a small amount is used on the farm where he works, most is exported for other industrial uses.

Similarly, like all cows, Moose is excessively flatulent, producing vast amounts of gas that are greatly disproportionate to the amount he eats. Even by bovine standards, he produces massive quantities. Suggestions have been made as to find a way to also use this as a fuel source, but as of yet, nothing has come of it.

[jyotiiiii]

Haryana's Role in Indian Agriculture: A Brief Overview

1. High Production of Staple Crops

Haryana is a top producer of wheat and rice, heavily contributing to India's food security. The Green Revolution boosted its agricultural yields, with regions like Karnal and Kurukshetra becoming key areas for high crop output.

2. Robust Irrigation Infrastructure

With an extensive canal network and reliance on groundwater, Haryana efficiently manages water resources for agriculture. Projects like the Bhakra Nangal have been critical in providing consistent irrigation to the state’s farmland.

3. Dairy Farming and Animal Husbandry

Haryana’s Murrah buffalo breed is known for high milk yields, bolstering India's dairy production. The government has focused on improving livestock quality, making dairy a vital part of the rural economy.

4. Modern Farming Techniques

Haryana leads in adopting modern farming technologies, like drip irrigation and organic fertilizers. Through soil health cards, crop insurance, and precision farming, the state promotes efficient and sustainable practices.

5. Agro-Based Industries

The agro-processing industry in Haryana adds value to raw produce, creating jobs and boosting farmers' incomes. Rice mills, flour mills, and food processing units contribute to reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing economic growth.

6. Challenges and the Future

Issues like groundwater depletion, climate change, and soil degradation challenge Haryana's agricultural sustainability. Efforts are underway to shift to water-efficient crops, organic farming, and renewable energy solutions.

Conclusion

Haryana’s contributions are vital to Indian agriculture. Its blend of traditional and modern practices not only secures food supplies but also supports farmer livelihoods. Going forward, sustainable practices are essential for Haryana to continue as an agricultural leader.

[izuom18]

Role of Women in Agriculture

Role of Women in Agriculture

Agriculture has been the backbone of societies around the world, and women have always played a vital role in this sector. Yet, despite their significant contributions, women in agriculture often remain underappreciated and face numerous challenges. This article explores the critical roles women play in agriculture, the barriers they face, and the importance of empowering women in this industry for global food security and rural development.

Women: The Backbone of Rural Agriculture

Women are involved in nearly every aspect of agriculture, especially in rural communities. From planting and harvesting crops to managing livestock and selling produce in markets, women contribute immensely to agricultural productivity. In many developing countries, women account for 43% of the agricultural labor force, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Their work often includes not only farming tasks but also ensuring the wellbeing of their families, collecting water, and preparing food.

Primary Roles of Women in Agriculture:

Crop Production and Management: Women are actively involved in planting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. They are often responsible for growing subsistence crops, which are crucial for household food security.

Livestock Management: Women play an essential role in caring for livestock, which includes feeding, milking, and cleaning. They also make decisions about animal breeding and veterinary care in many regions.

Food Processing and Preservation: Women excel in transforming raw produce into marketable products. They manage tasks like drying grains, fermenting dairy products, and preserving fruits and vegetables.

Market Participation: In many cases, women are the main sellers of agricultural goods at local markets. They manage negotiations and ensure that their families earn enough income to sustain their livelihoods.

Barriers Faced by Women in Agriculture

Despite their critical contributions, women in agriculture face significant challenges that limit their productivity and overall impact. These obstacles are multifaceted, stemming from cultural, economic, and policy-based barriers.

Limited Access to Resources: One of the most pressing issues is women’s lack of access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs. In many cultures, land ownership is predominantly male-dominated, leaving women without formal land rights, which limits their decision-making power and ability to invest in the land they farm.

Financial Exclusion: Women often have difficulty obtaining loans or credit to buy high-quality seeds, equipment, or livestock. Many financial institutions require land as collateral, which women typically lack.

Education and Training Gaps: Women frequently have lower levels of education and less access to agricultural extension services than men. This lack of knowledge hinders their ability to adopt modern farming practices and technologies that could increase productivity.

Workload and Time Constraints: Women are burdened with the dual responsibilities of farm work and household duties, which leaves them with limited time for income-generating activities or self-improvement initiatives.

Cultural Norms and Gender Inequality: In many societies, cultural norms restrict women’s participation in decision-making processes, both within households and in community-based organizations. Women may also face social stigma when they try to break into male-dominated agricultural sectors.

The Impact of Empowering Women in Agriculture

Investing in women in agriculture can have transformative effects on food security and economic development. The FAO estimates that if women had the same access to resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30%, reducing the number of hungry people worldwide by up to 150 million.

Enhanced Food Security: Since women are often responsible for producing food for their families, empowering them ensures better nutrition and food availability. Women are also more likely to invest their income in their families’ health and education, contributing to long-term community welfare.

Economic Growth: Empowering women in agriculture can stimulate rural economies. When women earn more, they reinvest in their families and communities, creating a positive cycle of economic growth.

Environmental Stewardship: Women have a unique knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainable practices. By involving women in environmental decision-making, communities can benefit from more holistic and environmentally friendly farming methods.

Community Resilience: Women’s leadership in agriculture can lead to more resilient and adaptive communities, particularly in the face of climate change. Women are key players in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, which can mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

Steps Towards Empowerment

To harness the full potential of women in agriculture, targeted efforts are needed to overcome the barriers they face. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

Land and Resource Rights: Governments should enact policies that grant women equal land rights and access to resources. Providing secure land tenure to women can boost their investment in sustainable agricultural practices.

Access to Credit and Financial Services: Microfinance programs tailored to women’s needs can help them invest in better seeds, equipment, and technology. Financial literacy programs can also empower women to manage their resources effectively.

Education and Training: Expanding women’s access to agricultural training programs can help them adopt new techniques and improve productivity. Extension services should be gender-sensitive and consider the unique challenges faced by women farmers.

Reducing Workload: Community-based initiatives, such as providing childcare services or labor-saving technologies, can alleviate the burden of household chores and give women more time to focus on agriculture.

Community and Policy Engagement: Encouraging women to take on leadership roles in agricultural cooperatives and decision-making bodies ensures that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

[pabloworlds12]

MilkingCloud: Revolutionizing Dairy Farm Management with Smart Solutions

MilkingCloud is dedicated to bringing advanced technology to the world of dairy farming, helping farmers streamline operations, improve herd health, and increase productivity. With innovative solutions designed for modern agriculture, MilkingCloud offers tools to monitor and manage every aspect of dairy farming, from milking processes to animal health tracking. By integrating technology into daily operations, MilkingCloud empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions, ensuring the health and productivity of their herds.

Efficient Milk Management for Optimal Productivity

One of the core focuses at MilkingCloud is Milk Management, which provides farmers with precise control over milk quality and yield. This system enables farmers to monitor milking data, ensuring each cow is healthy and performing optimally. With detailed records, farmers can make informed decisions to maintain high-quality milk production, benefiting both the herd and the business.

Advanced Heat Detection Technology for Reproductive Success

Accurate Heat Detection is essential for dairy farms aiming to improve breeding efficiency. MilkingCloud’s heat detection solutions allow farmers to identify optimal breeding times for each cow, reducing missed opportunities and improving reproductive outcomes. This technology helps maintain herd health by ensuring that cows breed at the right time, enhancing farm productivity.

Automated Solutions for Mastitis Prevention

Health management is crucial in dairy farming, and Mastitis in Cows is one of the most common health challenges. MilkingCloud offers automated mastitis detection solutions to help farmers identify and treat Cow Mastitis early, preventing it from affecting milk quality and overall herd health. By using early detection systems, farmers can manage this condition efficiently, improving animal welfare and farm profitability.

With MilkingCloud’s smart solutions, dairy farmers can enhance every aspect of their operations, from milk production to herd management. Explore MilkingCloud today and take a step toward modern, efficient dairy farming.

[pedrokaliop12]

MilkingCloud: Streamlined Solutions for Dairy and Cattle Farm Management

Efficient dairy and cattle farm management is essential for increasing productivity and ensuring animal health. MilkingCloud offers advanced tools and technology-driven solutions to help farmers manage every aspect of their operations. From milk production monitoring to health tracking, MilkingCloud’s comprehensive platform provides valuable insights and tools for modern farm management.

Optimize Dairy Operations with Advanced Milk Management

Managing milk production efficiently is critical for any dairy farm. With Milk Management solutions from MilkingCloud, farmers can accurately monitor milk yield, quality, and other essential metrics in real time. This enables quick adjustments to improve productivity and ensure high-quality milk output. By leveraging data-driven insights, MilkingCloud helps dairy farmers optimize their operations with ease.

Comprehensive Herd Management for Healthier Livestock

Herd Management is vital for maintaining the health and productivity of your livestock. MilkingCloud provides a centralized platform for tracking each animal's health, breeding history, and nutritional needs, allowing farmers to make informed decisions. By monitoring the well-being of the herd, farmers can prevent common health issues, manage breeding cycles effectively, and enhance overall productivity.

Detecting Heat for Improved Reproductive Success

Accurate Heat Detection is essential for timely breeding and maximizing reproductive success. MilkingCloud’s advanced tools help farmers identify optimal breeding times, improving conception rates and reducing costs associated with missed cycles. With reliable heat detection, farmers can ensure better herd management and boost long-term farm productivity.

MilkingCloud offers robust, tech-driven solutions for dairy and cattle farmers, helping them to achieve efficiency and success. Whether you’re managing a large herd or a small dairy farm, MilkingCloud’s tools make farm management smarter and more effective.

[patipatibor12]

MilkingCloud: Revolutionizing Dairy Farm Management with Advanced Technology

MilkingCloud is at the forefront of agricultural technology, offering innovative solutions to optimize productivity and animal health on dairy farms. From automated monitoring systems to data-driven insights, MilkingCloud’s tools help farmers manage every aspect of their operations with efficiency and precision. Whether you’re focused on improving milk quality, herd health, or farm productivity, MilkingCloud provides the technology and support to achieve your goals.

Streamline Operations with Automated Milk Management

Effective Milk Management is essential for maintaining high-quality production and maximizing yield. MilkingCloud’s milk management systems monitor and control every stage of the milking process, ensuring consistency and quality. With real-time data, farmers can track milk flow, detect issues early, and enhance overall production efficiency. This technology helps streamline daily operations, giving farmers more time to focus on other essential tasks.

Advanced Heat Detection for Improved Reproduction

Accurate Heat Detection is critical to successful cattle breeding programs. MilkingCloud offers advanced heat detection systems that provide precise and timely information, ensuring that farmers can identify the optimal breeding times. By monitoring activity levels and physiological changes, these systems help boost reproductive success, leading to a healthier and more productive herd.

Early Detection and Management of Cow Mastitis

Health management is vital for dairy productivity, and Cow Mastitis remains a significant challenge for farmers worldwide. MilkingCloud’s automated mastitis detection tools identify early signs of Mastitis in Cows, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the impact on milk quality. Early detection not only prevents the spread of infection but also safeguards the health of the entire herd.

MilkingCloud empowers dairy farmers with advanced tools and insights that drive efficiency, productivity, and animal welfare. With cutting-edge technology designed to simplify Herd Management, MilkingCloud is the trusted partner for modern dairy farms looking to succeed in a competitive agricultural landscape.

[medellinesir12]

MilkingCloud: Revolutionizing Dairy Farm Management with Advanced Solutions

MilkingCloud is dedicated to transforming the dairy industry by providing innovative and efficient tools for modern farm management. With technology-driven solutions, MilkingCloud empowers farmers to enhance productivity, improve herd health, and optimize every aspect of dairy operations. From Milk Management to health monitoring, MilkingCloud offers an integrated approach that supports sustainable and profitable dairy farming.

Efficient Milk Management and Quality Control

High-quality milk production starts with precise Milk Management. MilkingCloud’s systems are designed to ensure that milk is collected, stored, and processed under the best conditions, reducing waste and enhancing quality. With real-time data and analysis, farmers can easily track production metrics, maintain consistency, and meet industry standards.

Protect Herd Health with Automated Mastitis Detection

Maintaining herd health is crucial for a productive dairy operation. MilkingCloud’s Mastitis in Cows detection tools allow for early identification and treatment, reducing the impact of this common illness on milk yield and cow well-being. The automated mastitis detection system simplifies monitoring, allowing farmers to focus on proactive care rather than reactive treatment.

Comprehensive Herd and Cattle Management

With an all-encompassing Herd Management system, MilkingCloud provides tools to streamline daily tasks, monitor livestock health, and optimize breeding practices. Advanced Heat Detection technology ensures that farmers can track reproductive cycles with accuracy, leading to more successful breeding outcomes. By focusing on both productivity and animal welfare, MilkingCloud enables dairy farms to achieve better efficiency and profitability.

MilkingCloud is here to support dairy farms of all sizes in adopting cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity and ensure high standards in animal care. With MilkingCloud’s advanced systems, dairy farming becomes more manageable, profitable, and sustainable.

[yourcitysworld12]

MilkingCloud: Advanced Solutions for Modern Dairy Farming

MilkingCloud is redefining dairy farm operations with state-of-the-art technology solutions that help farmers manage and optimize their herds efficiently. From health monitoring to breeding support, MilkingCloud offers a comprehensive platform to elevate productivity and animal welfare on dairy and cattle farms. With smart data integration, farmers can make informed decisions that enhance every aspect of their operations.

Enhance Efficiency with Smart Milk Management

For dairy farms, high-quality Milk Management is essential. MilkingCloud’s system is designed to oversee milk production from collection to storage, ensuring consistency and minimizing waste. By providing real-time data on milk yield and quality, this tool empowers farmers to monitor production trends, improve processes, and ultimately deliver a better product to market.

Precision Herd Management for Health and Productivity

Effective Herd Management is at the core of any successful dairy operation. MilkingCloud’s solutions provide tools for tracking individual animal health, recording daily activities, and keeping accurate records. With these insights, farmers can better manage their herds, reduce health risks, and optimize feeding and care routines, leading to a healthier and more productive herd.

Reliable Heat Detection for Successful Breeding

Successful breeding is a key component of livestock management, and MilkingCloud’s Heat Detection technology makes this process seamless. By accurately detecting heat cycles, farmers can optimize breeding times, increasing the success rate and supporting herd growth. This advanced tool helps minimize missed breeding opportunities, making it an invaluable asset for herd expansion and reproductive efficiency.

MilkingCloud’s integrated approach to dairy and Cattle Management offers farmers the insights and control they need to run a thriving, efficient operation. Embrace the future of dairy farming with MilkingCloud’s innovative solutions, designed to improve farm management, productivity, and animal welfare.

[farmerstrend]

From Maasai Land to Kiambu: Why Farmers Across Kenya Are Flocking for Dairy Cattle in Kiambu

“Discover why Dairy Cattle in Kiambu are in high demand, as farmers from across Kenya flock to the county for its superior breeding conditions and resilient cattle breeds.” “Learn how Dairy Cattle in Kiambu are transforming the dairy industry, with local breeders offering high-yield, disease-resistant cows to farmers nationwide.” “Explore the booming business of Dairy Cattle in Kiambu, where…

[balveersingh013]

Boosting Milk Production with Time Zee Pashu Aahar: The Best Solution for Dairy Farmers

As a top provider of cattle feed in India, Time Zee Pashu Aahar offers farmers a premium, high-quality solution that ensures healthier livestock and maximized milk production. Our extensive range of products caters to the unique needs of cows and cattle, providing the necessary nutrients for optimal health and performance. Whether you're searching for the best pashu aahar, cow food, or looking for a reliable cattle feed supplier, Time Zee Pashu Aahar has you covered. Visit our website for more details.

Why Choose Time Zee Pashu Aahar?

At Time Zee Pashu Aahar, we understand the challenges faced by dairy farmers and provide cattle feed solutions that ensure a significant boost in milk production and improve the overall health of your cows. Our pashu aahar is specially formulated to meet the dietary requirements of cattle, helping to enhance their milk yield while maintaining good health.

Increase in Milk Production

Farmers who have incorporated Time Zee Pashu Aahar into their feeding regime have reported up to a 50% increase in milk production within just 15 days. Our formula is designed to provide cows with the balanced nutrition they need for higher milk output.

Boost in Income

Increased milk production directly leads to higher earnings. Farmers have experienced an average income increase of approximately 75% thanks to the higher milk yields. Choosing Time Zee Pashu Aahar ensures not only better cattle health but also greater profitability. Explore more by visiting our official Time Zee Pashu Aahar website.

Cattle Health and Well-being

Ensuring the overall health of cattle is key to long-term success. The high-quality ingredients in Time Zee Pashu Aahar improve digestion, boost immunity, and lead to fewer health issues, reducing veterinary costs while keeping your cows in prime condition. For a healthier herd and higher-quality cattle feed, trust Time Zee Pashu Aahar.

Comparison: Time Zee Pashu Aahar vs Conventional Feed

When comparing Time Zee Pashu Aahar with conventional cow food, the benefits are clear. Our feed is scientifically formulated to provide all the essential nutrients needed for dairy cattle to thrive. Conventional feed often lacks the protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for sustained milk production and overall cattle well-being. Time Zee Pashu Aahar offers a balanced diet that maximizes health and performance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cattle Feed Solution

Selecting the best feed for your cattle can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here are some key tips to help you make the right decision:

Understand the Nutritional Needs of Your Cows: Different breeds and types of cows have varying nutritional requirements. Ensure that the cattle feed solution you choose matches the specific needs of your herd.

Align with Your Dairy Goals: Whether you are focused on maximizing milk production, improving cattle health, or reducing costs, make sure the feed solution aligns with your goals.

Consider Your Budget: It's essential to choose a feed that fits within your budget while providing high-quality nutrition. Time Zee Pashu Aahar offers affordable yet premium cattle feed supplements that won’t compromise on quality.

Call Our Experts for Assistance: Need more guidance? You can directly call us at 9695095000, and our experts will help you select the best cattle feed solution for your herd. Alternatively, you can visit our website for more information.

Sustainable Dairy Farming with Time Zee Pashu Aahar

At Time Zee Pashu Aahar, we prioritize sustainability and long-term productivity. Our feed products are developed to improve milk production, optimize cattle health, and reduce overall costs for farmers. By using our high-quality cattle feed products, you are investing in a solution that guarantees both immediate and long-term benefits for your dairy farm.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pashu aahar is essential for the success of your dairy farming business. By selecting Time Zee Pashu Aahar, you’re ensuring that your cows receive the best nutrition available, leading to healthier livestock, increased milk production, and higher profits. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help transform your dairy farming operation.

Keywords included: Time Zee Pashu Aahar, best pashu aahar, cattle feed, cow feed, dairy cattle feed, cattle feed supplier, cow food, best cattle feed, cattle feed products, increase cow milk production, best food for cows to increase milk, cattle feed supplement, santulit pashu aahar, animal feed in India

[kapoormats1]

A Deep Dive into the Benefits of Cow Cleaning and Scratching Brushes

Maintaining the health and hygiene of dairy cows is crucial for any successful dairy farm. One essential tool in achieving this is a high-quality cow cleaning brush. At Kapoor Mats, we specialize in manufacturing and exporting top-notch cow body scrubbers designed to enhance the well-being of your livestock. In this blog, we will explore the various benefits of premium cow cleaning and scratching brushes, including their diverse global names and how they can significantly impact your farm's productivity.

Understanding the Essential Tool: Cow Cleaning Brushes

Cow cleaning brushes, often referred to by various names such as Cow Brush, Cow Body Scrubber, Cow Comb, Cow Scratcher, Cow Hubber, Cow Reemer, and more, play a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness and health of your cows. These brushes are designed to remove dirt, loose hair, and dead skin cells, promoting better overall hygiene and comfort for the animals.

Benefits of Using Cow Cleaning Brushes

Enhanced Hygiene and Health Regular brushing helps in removing dirt and debris that can cause skin irritations or infections. By keeping the cow's skin clean and free from contaminants, these brushes contribute to better overall health and reduce the likelihood of disease.

Improved Comfort and Well-being Brushing stimulates blood circulation and helps in the removal of loose hair. This not only makes the cow feel more comfortable but also aids in preventing conditions like skin rashes and parasites. A comfortable cow is a happy cow, which can lead to increased milk production and better quality of life.

Reduction in Labor Costs Automated cow brush can significantly reduce the amount of manual labor required for cleaning and grooming. These brushes are designed to work efficiently, allowing for a more streamlined and less labor-intensive approach to cow care.

Increased Productivity Healthy and comfortable cows are more likely to be productive. By investing in a high-quality cow cleaning brush, you are indirectly investing in the productivity of your dairy operation. Clean cows are happier, healthier, and more productive, leading to better milk yields and overall farm performance.

Versatility and Ease of Use Premium cow brushes are designed to be easy to use and versatile. They can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and breeds of cows, ensuring that all your livestock receive the care they need. Additionally, these brushes are built to last, providing long-term value and reliability.

Our Scrubber is also known with different names globally:

Our scrubbers are known by various names around the world, reflecting their universal importance in livestock care. Here are some of the different names and their relevance:

Cow scratching Brush: A general term for a brush used to clean cows.

Cow Body Scrubber: Emphasizes the thorough cleaning aspect of the brush.

Cow Comb: Suggests the brush’s function in detangling and grooming.

Cow Scratcher: Highlights the brush's ability to provide relief from itching.

Cow Hubber: A less common term but still relevant in some regions.

Cow Reemer: Used in certain areas to describe a brush that helps remove debris.

Each of these names points to the core function of the brush: to ensure the cow remains clean, healthy, and comfortable.

Why Choose Kapoor Mats for Your Cow Cleaning Needs?

At Kapoor Mats, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and innovation. Our cow cleaning brushes are designed with the needs of modern dairy farms in mind. Here’s why you should choose our products:

High-Quality Materials: We use durable materials that can withstand regular use and harsh conditions.

Customizable Options: Our brushes can be tailored to fit different cow sizes and farming requirements.

Global Expertise: We understand the diverse needs of dairy farms worldwide and provide solutions that cater to various regions and practices.

For more information or to place an order, please contact us at +91-9818809281. We’re here to assist you with all your cow cleaning brush needs.

Conclusion

Investing in a premium cow cleaning and scratching brush is a smart move for any dairy farmer looking to enhance the health and productivity of their herd. With benefits ranging from improved hygiene and comfort to reduced labor costs and increased productivity, these brushes are essential tools in modern livestock management. Kapoor Mats offers high-quality cow brushes known by various names globally, ensuring that you have access to the best products available. For further details, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +91-9818809281.

FAQ

What is a cow cleaning brush, and why is it important? A cow cleaning brush is a grooming tool designed to clean and brush the coat of cows. It helps remove dirt, loose hair, and dead skin cells, promoting better hygiene and overall health.

How often should I use a cow brushing tool on my cows? The frequency depends on your farm’s specific needs, but regular brushing—often daily or weekly—can help maintain optimal hygiene and comfort for your cows.

What are the different names for cow cleaning brushes around the world? Cow cleaning brushes are known by various names, including Cow Brush, Cow Body Scrubber, Cow Comb, Cow Scratcher, Cow Hubber, and Cow Reemer.

How does a cow brush contribute to increased milk production? By improving cow comfort and health, a well-maintained cow can produce more milk. Clean, comfortable cows are healthier and more productive.

Where can I buy high-quality cow cleaning brushes? You can purchase premium cow cleaning brushes from Kapoor Mats. For more information or to place an order, please contact us at +91-9818809281.

[farm-fnb-tech]

Cattle Farming: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Cattle Production

Cattle farming, a cornerstone of agricultural economies worldwide, involves the breeding, rearing, and management of cattle for various purposes. Primarily, cattle are raised for meat (beef), milk, and byproducts such as leather and hides. The practice has evolved over centuries, adapting to technological advancements and changing consumer demands.   

At its core, cattle farming is a delicate balance of science and art. It requires a deep understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, reproduction, and health. Farmers must also possess strong business acumen to manage resources efficiently and adapt to market fluctuations.

Benefits of Cattle Farming

Economic Impact: Cattle farming is a significant contributor to rural economies, providing employment opportunities and stimulating related industries such as feed production, transportation, and processing.

Food Security: Cattle products, including meat and dairy, are essential components of human diets, providing vital nutrients for populations worldwide.

Byproduct Utilization: Cattle farming generates valuable byproducts such as leather, hides, and tallow, which are used in various industries.

Land Management: In many regions, cattle grazing helps maintain grassland ecosystems and prevent land degradation. 

Goals of Cattle Farming

The overarching goal of cattle farming is to produce high-quality animals efficiently and sustainably. Specific objectives include:

Optimizing Production: Maximizing meat or milk yield while maintaining animal welfare standards.

Improving Efficiency: Reducing production costs through better feed utilization, disease prevention, and resource management.

Ensuring Sustainability: Adopting practices that protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity.

Animal Welfare: Prioritizing the well-being of cattle through proper housing, nutrition, and healthcare.

Key Components of Cattle Farming

Cattle farming encompasses several interconnected components:

Breeding: Selecting and mating cattle with desirable traits to improve herd genetics.

Nutrition: Providing balanced diets to meet the nutritional needs of cattle at different life stages.

Health Management: Implementing preventive healthcare measures and treating diseases promptly.

Reproduction: Managing breeding cycles to optimize calf production.

Housing and Facilities: Providing suitable shelter and infrastructure for cattle comfort and productivity.

Market and Economics: Understanding market trends, pricing, and financial management.

Types of Cattle Farming

Beef Cattle Farming: Raising cattle primarily for meat production.

Dairy Cattle Farming: Focusing on milk production and related products.

Dual-Purpose Cattle Farming:Combining beef and milk production.  

Pasture-Raised Cattle Farming: Relying on natural grasslands for grazing.

Feedlot Cattle Farming: Confining cattle in feedlots for intensive feeding and rapid growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

Cattle farming faces various challenges, including climate change, disease outbreaks, market volatility, and consumer concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact. However, it also presents opportunities for innovation, technological advancements, and the development of sustainable practices.

Ideas for Improving Cattle Farming

Precision Agriculture: Utilizing technology to optimize resource use and monitor animal health.

Sustainable Practices: Adopting environmentally friendly methods, such as rotational grazing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Animal Welfare Focus: Prioritizing the well-being of cattle through enrichment programs and humane handling.

Value-Added Products: Developing new products from cattle byproducts to increase farm income.

Market Diversification: Exploring different markets and consumer preferences to reduce risk.

The Cattle Animal

A fundamental aspect of successful cattle farming is a deep understanding of the animal itself. Cattle are ruminants, meaning they have a complex digestive system capable of breaking down tough plant matter. This biological adaptation allows them to thrive on diets that would be unsuitable for other animals.

Breeds: Cattle breeds exhibit a wide range of characteristics, including size, temperament, milk production, and meat quality. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different breeds is crucial for selecting animals that align with specific farming goals.

Behavior: Cattle are herd animals with complex social structures. Recognizing their natural behaviors can significantly impact herd management and animal welfare.

Health and Reproduction: A comprehensive knowledge of cattle health, including common diseases, vaccinations, and reproductive cycles, is essential for maintaining a productive and healthy herd.

Nutrition: Fueling for Productivity

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of cattle health and performance. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for growth, milk production, and reproduction.

Forage: Grass and hay are the primary components of cattle diets. The quality and quantity of forage directly impact animal performance.

Supplements: Depending on the stage of production, cattle may require additional supplements, such as minerals and vitamins.

Feed Conversion Efficiency: Maximizing the efficiency with which feed is converted into meat or milk is a key goal of cattle nutrition.

Cattle Housing and Facilities

The design and management of cattle housing and facilities significantly influence animal comfort, health, and productivity.

Barn Design: Considerations include ventilation, lighting, and space requirements for different age groups and production systems.

Pasture Management: Proper pasture rotation and fertilization are crucial for maintaining forage quality and preventing overgrazing.

Equipment: Modern farming relies on various equipment for feeding, milking, and handling cattle. Understanding the available options and their proper use is essential.

Reproduction and Breeding

Effective reproduction management is vital for herd growth and genetic improvement.

Breeding Systems: Different breeding systems, such as artificial insemination and natural service, have their advantages and disadvantages.

Calving Management: Proper care of cows during calving and newborn calves is essential for survival and healthy growth.

Genetic Improvement: Selecting animals with desirable traits and utilizing advanced breeding technologies can enhance herd productivity.

Disease Prevention and Control

A proactive approach to disease prevention is crucial for maintaining herd health and profitability.

Biosecurity: Implementing strict biosecurity measures helps prevent the introduction of diseases onto the farm.

Vaccination Programs: Regular vaccination is essential for protecting cattle from common diseases.

Early Detection: Promptly identifying and treating sick animals can limit the spread of disease.

Financial Management

Successful cattle farming requires sound financial management.

Budgeting: Developing a comprehensive budget is essential for tracking income, expenses, and profitability.

Market Analysis: Understanding market trends for cattle and cattle products is crucial for making informed business decisions.

Risk Management: Implementing strategies to mitigate financial risks, such as insurance and hedging, is important.

Environmental Stewardship

Modern cattle farming emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Land Management: Adopting practices that protect soil and water resources is essential for long-term farm viability.

Waste Management: Proper management of manure and other waste products is crucial for environmental protection.

Carbon Footprint: Reducing the carbon footprint of cattle production is a growing priority.

Cattle farming is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and dedication. By understanding the various components of cattle production and adopting sustainable practices, farmers can contribute to a thriving and resilient industry while meeting the growing demand for cattle products.

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Bovine Artificial Insemination Market To Reach $4.54 Billion By 2030

The global bovine artificial insemination market size is anticipated to reach USD 4.54 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.32% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The primary market growth is due to the increasing demand for meat, dairy, and dairy products. According to OECD estimates for 2020 to 2029, cow milk accounts for approximately 80% of global milk production. China and India are expected to contribute more than 30% of global milk production by 2029. The OECD estimates that milk, fresh dairy products, butter, and cheese consumption will increase worldwide from 2022 to 2031. For instance, cheese consumption is projected to grow from 25,500 kt pw in 2022 to 28,136 kt pw in 2031.

The milk production in India increased from 187.30 million tons in 2018–2019 to 230.58 million tons in 2022–2023, growing at a CAGR of over 6%, according to the data published by the Press Information Bureau of India in May 2024. These factors are expected to fuel the demand for cattle AI products and services to ensure successful breeding regimes. The AI enables farm owners and ranchers to select the best semen for their cows, resulting in calves with desired traits like increased meat yield or milk production.

The advancements in breeding technology have made AI a more efficient and affordable option for farmers. Semen collected from top-performing bulls and stored for later use enables producers/ranchers to access superior genetics without the need to maintain bulls on their farms or purchase expensive bulls. In addition, governments in several key markets support the adoption of AI as a means of improving livestock productivity.

Improvement in semen processing and preservation techniques enhanced the quality and longevity of bovine semen. Advanced cryopreservation methods, such as the use of liquid nitrogen and extenders, enable the long-term storage & transportation of semen while maintaining high fertility rates. These developments significantly expanded the availability and accessibility of quality semen, promoting the use of AI.

Sexed semen technology allows cattle breeders to control the gender ratio of their calves, catering to specific market demands. Sexed semen technology creates new opportunities for dairy and beef producers by offering greater flexibility in breeding strategies & market specialization. In 2022, Genus plc, one of the key players in the market, reported USD 340.64 million in sales from its bovine genetics division-ABS Global. The company reported an increase of 3% in bovine volume, comprising semen and embryos, to reach around 25 million units. On the other hand, the company’s Sexcel and IntelliGen product lines witnessed an 18% surge in volume.

In May 2024, the National Dairy Development Board of India (NDDB) developed a novel technology to produce “Sexed Sorted Semen Straws,” intending to increase the chances of conceiving female calves to help boost milk production. The product is similar to a test tube that can store frozen semen, which can be later used for AI, and is manufactured to prevent impure semen from entering the system of the offspring due to natural mating.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Bovine Artificial Insemination Market Report

Bovine Artificial Insemination Market Report Highlights

Based on solutions, the service segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 39.01% in 2023. This can be attributed to the fact that bovine AI techniques are becoming more popular and widely used in major markets. For instance, over 31.5 million semen straws have been sold globally by Urus Group, one of the industry’s top companies. AI is the most practical and cost-effective biotechnology tool for getting better genetics to farmers’ doorsteps

Based on solutions, the semen segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This segment is further divided into normal (conventional) and sexed semen. Among them, sexed semen segment is expected to grow with the highest growth rate. Farmers can use sexed sperm to improve genetics in their herds and raise their chances of having a heifer calf

Based on distribution channel, the private segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 55.94% in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the fact that most market participants engage in direct or indirect sales efforts through distribution alliances. For instance, Genex (Urus Group) offers online shopping for numerous herd care products and bovine genetics. Customers can look through the company’s web catalog for product alternatives

Based on sector, the dairy segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 62.25% in 2023 and it is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This can be owed to the increasing milk production, consumption of dairy & dairy products, and the requirement for sustainably sourced animal protein are some of the main reasons influencing the segment share. The demand for bovine dairy products, such as milk and cheese, dwarfs the demand for bovine meat

North America market accounted for the largest revenue share of 29.74% in 2023, attributed to the wide-scale use of Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques and the increasing need to meet consumer demands for sustainable animal protein sources. AI has given farmers more control over the genetic makeup of their cattle. To breed cows with similar traits, they can choose sires with particular traits such as high milk production, illness resistance, or meat yield

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.32% over the forecast period. This due to the increasing demand for dairy products and advancements in AI techniques in developing economies is likely to propel the market growth

Bovine Artificial Insemination Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global bovine artificial insemination market report based on solutions, distribution channel, sector, and region:

Bovine Artificial Insemination Solutions Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Equipment & Consumables

Semen

Normal (Conventional)

Sexed

Services

Bovine Artificial Insemination Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Private

Public

Bovine Artificial Insemination Sector Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Meat

Dairy

Bovine Artificial Insemination Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Poland

Netherlands

Asia Pacific

Japan

India

China

South Korea

Australia

New Zealand

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

South Africa

Egypt

Iran

List of Key Players of Bovine Artificial Insemination Market

Genus Plc

IMV Technologies

SEMEX

Jorgensen Laboratories

URUS Group

STgenetics

National Dairy Development Board

Munster Bovine

World Wide Sires, Ltd

CRV