BREED RESOURCES OF BEEF CATTLE IN THE STAVROPOL TERRITORY

Abstract

The Stavropol Territory has the natural and climatic conditions and resource potential for the successful development of beef cattle breeding. However, it has not become one of its leading sectors. The 9,7 % increase in the number of beef cattle in 2021–2023 was followed by a decline in 2024, indicating the onset of a recession. One of the reasons for this decline is the existing breed structure, which is more focused on an extensive development. Among the breeds being bred, up to 50 % are Kalmyk cattle, which is due to their adaptability. The growth of Kazakh Whiteheaded and Hereford cattle is hindered by the lack of technologies that can compensate the negative effects of natural factors. Kalmyk cattle reach sexual maturity later. They have an average live weight 12–15 % lower at the age of 205 days, and the lowest milk yield of cows – 169 kg, against 205 kg in cows of Kazakh Whiteheaded breed and 210 kg in Hereford cattle. The daily live weight gain of young Kalmyk cattle is 3,6 and 20,8 % lower than in Hereford and Kazakh Whiteheaded cattle. In the Stavropol Territory, Dmitrievsky and Voznesenovsky intrabreed types of Hereford and Kalmyk breeds are bred, accounting for 11,2 % and 12,8 % of the total number of animals. On average, the live weight of Hereford cattle at the age of 205 days is 201 kg, and the average daily gain is 890 g, while the animals of Dmitrievsky type have 217 kg and 951 g, respectively. The cattle of Voznesenovsky type surpasses its mother Kalmyk breed in terms of average live weight at the age of 205 days by 14,9 %, while slightly underperforming it in terms of average daily gains. In the long term, these types of cattle can find their niche among other specialized beef breeds in the beef production market.