The Kalmyk breed of cows in Russia has been living for quite a long time, it is more than one century. This cattle is distinguished by good endurance and quick adaptation to living conditions; it is not difficult for it to walk a considerable distance to find food for itself.

These animals lived for a long time in the steppes and semi-deserts, which made them very hardy. They are not susceptible to light morbidity, easily tolerate pollution of the surrounding space, and are resistant to poisons in the ground or on grass. It is noteworthy that even not too good nutrition does not affect their weight gain in any way.

Kalmyk breed of cows

Description and characteristics of the breed

It is not difficult to recognize the Kalmyk breed, there are some distinctive features when describing:

  • The animal's horns are like a crescent;
  • Small head size;
  • Strong physique;
  • The loin of the cow is somewhat elongated;
  • Large intercostal distance;
  • Somewhat sagging belly;
  • The animal is wide at the withers;
  • Strong and straight legs.

It is believed that the Kalmyk breed of cows has existed for more than three centuries, but far from everything is known about its reliable origin. It is reasonably assumed that the distribution of Kalmykia cattle began in the Russian steppes and upland regions of its southern part, as well as in Mongolia and Central Asia. The breed was finally formed under the influence of the conditions of natural selection.

There is an opinion that the Kalmyk cow could well have descended from the cows of India, where, as you know, this animal is sacred. The look that these cows have acquired now was formed under the influence of being constantly on the run and a sharp temperature amplitude.

In the description it is necessary to mention one more interesting feature of the Kalmyk cattle breed. When the winter and colder period sets in, cows usually become overgrown with abundant and thick wool and down, this warms the animal in low temperatures.

In terms of height, cows are usually 1.30 cm, bulls reach one and a half meters.

The mass of these animals is quite considerable:

  • Cows usually weigh up to 500 kg;
  • The Kalmyk bull is even larger and weighs up to 900 kg.

The animals are fertile, the yield of meat products during slaughter is about 60%. By the age of 8 months, the calf weighs approximately 200 kg. The meat has a marbled appearance and excellent taste.

On a note. According to its characteristics, this breed cannot be called dairy, it is bred primarily for meat, so you should not expect a large milk yield. However, milk is fatty and high in protein.

Care and breeding

These cows do not need constant attention, they themselves gain weight during hauls, which can reach tens of kilometers. But a prerequisite is rest for about 6 hours.

These cows don't need constant attention.

It is necessary that the light penetrates well into the room where the cattle are kept. It is better to install large windows. Good ventilation of the stall is also important. It is not at all necessary to insulate the structure, only if the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Under average conditions, it is sufficient to simply spread straw. The cowshed must be constantly cleaned, to take care of the purity of the water.

Kalmyk bulls and cows are disease resistant but need vaccinations. When the rules of cleanliness in the barn are violated, animals can be exposed to helminths.

In summer, animals are not fed compound feed, which can be quite expensive, as they have enough food that they consume on grazing.In winter, concentrated feed is introduced.

Animals should never run out of water, it is topped up 4-5 times a day. With an animal weighing less than 250 kg of water, about 40 liters are required, with a larger weight, 50 liters are needed. With a weight of more than 350 kg, 60 liters of water are used per day. There should be as much water as you need.

Even in spite of the fact that animals of this breed can get food out of the snow in winter, an additive in the form of:

  • Tubers;
  • Vegetables;
  • Hay;
  • Silo.

It is preferable to use fields with a predominance of cereal or feather grass for grazing from spring to mid-summer, starting in August, feather grass and wormwood fields are better suited for walking. Over the entire pasture period, cows and bulls are able to grow 50-60 kg of lard, this will greatly help them in winter, when natural nutrients are often not enough in full.

Upon reaching the age of 1.5 years, the cow is already fully ready to breed and bear offspring. She is capable of giving birth to calves up to 15 years. There is a condition that the bull can only be admitted to the cow when the last live weight of 300 kg is reached. The mother does not let anyone near the newborn calves, so the baby grows up, being next to her.

Note! To graze the Kalmyk breed of cows, a large space with growing various grasses is needed. On one grazing, she can be no more than a week, after that you need to drive the animals to a new place.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

There are many positive aspects to this breed:

  • Good endurance;
  • The meat tastes great;
  • Feeding is fast;
  • When leaving, they do not require much effort;
  • Calves survive 95%;
  • Milk has a good fat content.

The negative aspects include some aggressiveness of the mother when approaching the born calves. Also, the meat does not look very attractive - it looks like it is old, but its taste is excellent.

Farmers Tips

Drive animals to pastures all year round

Experienced farmers who are engaged in breeding Kalmyk cows are advised to drive animals to pastures all year round, regardless of weather conditions.

On a note. Just in case, for the winter, given that it may be too cold, they still buy hay. There is no need to try to milk a Kalmyk cow - although milk is fat, there will be very little of it. Kalmyk breed of cattle, first of all, of the meat direction.

Among the various cattle breeds, Kalmyk cows are recognized as one of the most hardy. When purchasing for breeding, livestock breeders are attracted by the low cost. There are many pluses in breeding them, there are practically no minuses. Care and maintenance do not require any special and complex skills, so even a novice livestock breeder can easily cope with breeding cattle of this breed.