Comparison of recording results of purebred and crossbred Limousine cattle in Poland

Abstract

Comparison of recording results of purebred and crossbred Limousine cattle in Poland. The aim of the study was to compare purebred and crossbred Limousine cattle in respect to their compliance with the breeding goals and standards adopted by the Polish Association of Breeders and Producers of Beef Cattle (PABPBC). The study was based on data for the years 2002–2015 from the PABPBC and for the years 1996–2001 from the National Center of Animal Breeding (NCAB). The properties that were evaluated were the average weight of cows (kg), average body weight of calves after birth (kg), average daily weight gain of calves from birth to 210 days (g), average body weight of calves at 210 days (kg) and average milk yield of cows (kg). The average body weight of cows did not differ from the breeding goal for either purebred or crossbred Limousine cows. Purebred cows were always heavier than crossbred cows, but the weight difference was almost 100 kg in 1999 and in 2006, only 20 kg. Body weight after birth for purebred and crossbred bull calves was comparable. Purebred Limousine calves consistently had higher daily weight gain than crossbred calves. The average milk yield of purebred and crossbred Limousine cows was about 2,000 kg, and did not change signifi cantly in any