UN SDG
Livestock Studies 1972, Vol 12, Num, 1     (Pages: 003-031)
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A study on the improvement of native cattle in the Black Sea region by crossing with Jerseys

Emin ARITÜRK ,Orhan ALPAN ,Tahir AKSOY ,Rafet ARPACIK

- The purpose of this study was to investigate the progress achieved through crossbreeding between Jersey and Native breeds of cattle in the Black Sea region. The material consisted of privately owned 28 Native 70 first cross (F1), 62 first back cross (B1), 25 Jerseys (J) and their calves. The number of lactations were 246. Milk tests were made once a month and milk fat and SNF determinations were performed on composite samples of morning and evening samplings. The length of the study was two years. Artificial insemination has been used in the most part of grading up efforts. Number of annual A.I. İncreased from 2445 in 1960 to 51045 in 1970. Mean lactation lengths of the gnotype groups were about 300 days. Average milk fat percentages in Native. F1, B1 and J were 4.1, 4.5, 4.3 and 5.5 %, respectively. The SNF percentages were similar in the groups and about 8.7 %.

Standardized (305-ME) average milk productions in the native, Fı, Bı, and J groups were 1581, 2226, 2183 and 2560 kg respectively. The increase of milk yield in the Fı generation, in respect to the native groups, was 41 %. This increase wes believet to be due to genetic improvement, heterosis effect and improvement of feeding conditions. When two cows in each of native, F1 and Bı groups were provided 2 kg of commercial feed mix per day for eight months they produced 50, 22 and 55 %, respectively, more milk on the corrected basis than those of their previous lactations.

Average body measurements were increased as the Jersey genotype increased in the crossbreds. Tmr Majority of the male calves were slaughtered in the first weeks of their lives due to small size and slow growth rate. The feeding conditions in the region is insufficient. The rations of cattle consists of green forages from orchards and filbert gardens supplemented with some wheat bran. The land under cultivation in the region is not available for extensive grain production.

It is concluded that Jersey crossing have bought a marked increase in the milk and milk fat production in the region. However, feed sources and milk marketing process are insufficient and are major drawbacks for the improvement of milk production. It is believed that the solutions of these problems would bring further increases in milk production and dairy business would take a major part in the economy of the region. Keywords :