Meat productivity of calves of Simmental breed in the conditions of global climate change in the Steppe zone of Ukraine

Abstract

Goal. Multifaceted comprehensive identification of potential opportunities for meat productivity of calves of the Simmental Ukrainian breed in ecological, economic, and fodder conditions of non-pastoral growing in the central Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. 20 clinically healthy Simmental bulls analogs by the age, type, and other economically useful characteristics were placed on long-term cultivation (from birth to the age of 30 months) in the experimental farm «Polyvanivka» of Dnipropetrovsk region by the method of group-periods. Types of feed and level of feeding (typical for the steppe zone) provided medium growth and high enough live weight at the end of the experiment. The animals were kept loosely on feeding grounds for up to the age of 18 months, and then — on a leash indoors. Analysis of growth and development and control slaughter of bulls was performed at the age of 12, 18, 24, and 30 months (5 animals each). Biometric processing of research results was carried out by the method of variation statistics. Results. It is proved that growing Simmentals to a later age is expedient and economically justified. Not only the weight of the carcass (growth rate 1.59; 2.05 and 2.39) but also the weight of the flesh (growth rate 1.66; 2.10 and 2.45) grew with age (18, 24, and 30 months) compared to 12 months. Bone mass growth rate (1.34; 1.86 and 2.18) lagged. Thus, the muscle-bone ratio (meat ratio) improved. It varied with the age of the animals from 3.7 (12 months) to 4.24 (2.5 years). The share of flesh increased from 79 to 81%, and the proportion of bones decreased from 21.9 to 19%. Despite the age of slaughter of animals, their meat had optimal physical and technological properties and was suitable for culinary use and long-term storage. Conclusions. The calves of the combined Simmental breed can show high meat productivity up to 30 months of age in the ecological, economic, and fodder conditions of the Steppe zone of Ukraine with economic expediency. In terms of morphological composition and quality of carcasses, Simmental bulls are superior to dairy breeds and are close to beef cattle. The meat of Simmental bulls has a high taste and is suitable for both dietary nutrition (from young animals) and people of physical labor (from animals aged 24 – 30 months).