In terms of size, this is a very important factor when it comes to cows, especially with regard to the meat and milk production they offer.
At first glance, big cows seem like a recipe for success for any rancher, but it is equally important to consider the challenges of raising large breeds of cattle.
Not only is feeding a challenge, but also how a breed of cow can adapt to certain environmental and climatic conditions. Therefore, when it comes to selecting cows for cattle ranches, large breeds are not always more likely to increase profitability.
Here are the biggest cow breeds in the world and some of their main characteristics:Contents1.
CharolaisThe biggest cows in the worldAdvantages and disadvantages of large cattle breedsVideo1.
ChianinaPhoto by Monica / wikipedia.orgChianina is the largest breed of cattle in the world.
It originated in Tuscany, Italy, and can reach 2 m in height and weigh over 1,700 kg.
Chianina cows are the tallest and heaviest cows in the world, as well as one of the oldest cattle breeds. The breed is mainly used for meat production, but in the past it was also popular as draft cattle.
South DevonPhoto by Charlesdrakew / wikipedia.orgAlso known as “The Gentle Giant”, South Devon cows originate from the United Kingdom, being the largest cattle breed native to Great Britain.
They can reach a weight of 1600 kg on average, although the largest recorded cow in South Devon is 2000 kg.
Bulls of this breed can be used for work up to the age of 12 years. South Devon is known as a meat and milk breed.
With such longevity, few heifers are needed to improve the herd, many of which are available for sale as studs or premium beef carcasses.3.
Maine – Anjouanjouliette.wordpress.comAs the name suggests, this French cow breed originated in the Anjou region.
It can reach a weight of approximately 1,400 kg and is bred for both milk production and beef production.
The breed is famous for the fact that it can build muscle easily and also for easy fattening. Originally, French farmers used Maine-Anjou cows if they had small areas of land, because they could earn a good income from the cows, as they fattened so easily.
Bulls especially can be quite temperamental, but cows have a great maternal instinct and due to the high quality milk they provide, the calves are always well fed.4.
Glan Cattlewikipedia.orgOriginally bred as a multipurpose breed in the German Rhine-Palatinate region, today Glan cattle are used primarily for beef production.
It can reach 1.45 m in height and weigh up to 1,200 kg.
After the efforts of a conservation society established in 1985, Glan cattle have slowly made a comeback, but they are still a lesser known breed of cow.5.
German AngusGerman AngusAnother cattle breed that can be included in the top of the largest cows in the world also comes from Germany.
Cows can reach a weight of 1,200 kg, having a height of 1.5 m.
The breed was developed in the 1950s when Aberdeen Angus cattle were crossed with different breeds of cows native to Germany. lower fat content.
The German Angus is also used as a cow breed or vegetation management and for suckling cattle.6.
MontbeliardePhoto by PRA / wikipedia.orgThis breed of cow originated in the French region of Montbeliard, used mainly for dairy farms.
Montbeliarde can reach 1.54 m in height and up to 1,200 kg. Montbeliarde cows produce milk rich in type B casein, which contributes to increased yield and cheese production and is at the top of protected origin cheeses (Comte Reblochon, Mont ‘Dor, etc).
In addition, the breed is widely used due to the productive qualities and functional characteristics of the specimens.7.
Parthenaisthatsfarming.com This breed of cattle finds its place at the top of the largest cows in the world, with a height of 1.45 m and a weight of up to 1,150 kg.
It originated in the Deux-Sevres region and is considered one of the oldest French cattle breeds. Cows provide high quality milk used for various dairy products including butter and were also used for draft work.
It can also be used for the production of beef, due to its high quality meat and low cholesterol content.8.
Limousin CowLimousin Highly muscled beef cattle, this French breed can weigh up to 1,100 kg.
Result of the environment where they were bred, in the regions of Limousin and Marche, these cows have an unusual robustness, good health and great adaptability.
In addition to their beef qualities, Limousin cows were also used as working animals.9.
Bazadaisewikipedia.org Bazadaise cows were originally used for agricultural work on the vines of Bordeaux.
Cows can reach a weight of up to 1,100 kg.
The breed was gradually used as a respectable meat loaf rather than just a hardy working animal and is now one of the most common French cattle breeds used for meat production.10.
Charolais Charolais cowIt is one of the first and most popular breeds of cattle not only in France but all over the world.
It can reach a weight of up to 1,100 kg.
With more than 1.8 million purebred cattle in France, it represents half of the beef cattle in the country and a quarter of the beef cattle in Europe. Meat production is characterized by: quality, quantity – due to direct crossbreeding, which leads to increased carcass weight and a high proportion of quality pieces; low production cost – labor, food and level of mechanization. Other large breeds of cattle worth mentioning are the Brahman, Pinzgauer, Normande, Vorderwald, Belted Galloway, Pie Rouge des Plaines or the Gayal. Holstein cows The largest cows in the world Although Holstein cows are considered a large breed of cattle, on average the specimens of this breed are not among the largest in the world.
Danniel is 1.93 m tall and weighs 1043 kg. The previous holder of the record for the largest cow was Blossom, an Illinois cow who died at age 13 in 2015 and was also a Holstein cow. The largest cows in the world were Big Moo from Australia and Chilli, a Fresian cow from the Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Chard, Somerset, England. they have been used as farm animals in the past and they know how to adapt to harsh weather conditions.
In 16-19 months, the cattle reach a weight of 650 kg, with a carcass yield of 65-70%. profitability they seek, depending on market demand, the price of meat or milk and the time they are willing to wait for the return on investment. and water.
Cattle farms always need water, clean stables and medicine.
Regardless of whether they are dairy or beef cattle, the animals must be in excellent health conditions, otherwise the products cannot be marketed.
Other expenses for livestock farms generally include immunization utilities, repairs and maintenance of stables and warehouses, transportation of animals and milk, veterinary care, breeding costs or artificial insemination. small-sized cows or smaller bovine breeds, as it all depends on the main objective and purpose of the cattle farm, the facilities it has (in terms of pasture, utilities, etc.) and the investments made in livestock.Video