The history of the origin and prospects for the spread of the zebu-type Black-and-White cattle (review)

V. P. Upelniek¹, S. V. Zavgorodniy¹, E. N. Makhnova², S. A. Senator^1
1Tsytsyn Main Botanic Garden, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Botanicheskaya, 4, Moskva, 127276, Russian Federation
²Scientific experimental farm “Snegiri”, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Tsentral’naya, 1, s. Rozhdestveno, Moskovskaya obl., 143502, Russian Federation

Abstract. The study aimed to summarize and analyze data on the characteristics and resource potential of the zebu-type Black-and-White cattle bred in the scientific experimental farm Snegiri (Istra district, Moscow region). The work was performed using information data from herd books, literary sources and annual reports of the Remote Hybridization Department of the Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Science. Today the herd consists of hybrid cattle bred by crossing Black-and-White cattle with different zebu subspecies (Azerbaijani, Indian, New Zealand, and Kuban) as well as with Holstein Friesian cattle. Long-term selection and genetic work on distant hybridization resulted in the breeding of unique animals characterized by increased resistance to diseases, significant adaptive potential, and unpretentiousness to feed and housing conditions. Milk of zebu-type cows of Black-and-White breed is characterized by a high content of fat (4.64%), protein (3.87%), lactose (4.75–4.85%), dry matter (13.63–13.92%), and essential amino acids (4.051 g/100 g); their meat is characterized by a high calorific value (2378 kcal). The potential milk production capacity of hybrids is up to 7000 kg. Crossbred animals are characterized by lower total protein content in the blood serum than Black-and-White cattle (0.04–0.41% and 0.03–0.60%, respectively), but a higher concentration of albumin (0.84–2.46% and 1.14–2.16%, respectively) and haemoglobin (by 0.39–0.51%). In the experimental herd, the frequency of occurrence of BoLA-DRB3 genotypes resistant to leukaemia among the zebu-like type of Black-and-White cattle was 42%, while among the Holstein cattle it was 15%; among the Ayrshire cattle, it was 12%.

Keywords: distant hybridization; breeding; zebu-like cattle; European cattle; milk productivity; food security.

Author Details: V. P. Upelniek, Cand. Sc. (Biol.), director; S. V. Zavgorodniy, research fellow; E. N. Makhnova, acting director; S. A. Senator, Cand. Sc. (Biol.), leading research fellow (e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.).

For citation: Upelniek VP, Zavgorodniy SV, Makhnova EN, et al. [The history of the origin and prospects for the spread of the zebu-type Black-and-White cattle (review)] Dostizheniya nauki i tekhniki APK. 2020;34(12):66-72. Russian. doi: 10.24411/0235-2451-2020-11211.