The Red and White cattle breed are raised in 17 regions of Russia characterized by diverse natural and climatic conditions. The milk productivity of the Red and White cows across different categories of farms ranges from 5,333 to 8,605 kg of milk. Based on zootechnical reporting data on the outcomes of breeding work with the Red and White cattle in breeding organizations of the Russian Federation, a comparative analysis was conducted on milk productivity, milk fat and protein content, and annual feed consumption for the period from 2019 to 2024. The highest amount of feed per animal unit was supplied at OOO “Horoshee Delo” in the Republic of Mordovia – 80.8 centners of feed units, with the highest average milk yield among the surveyed farms – 8,605 kg, while feed costs per 1 kg of milk amounted to 0.94 feed units, which corresponds to the norms for high yielding animals. The lowest amount of feed was supplied at OOO “Tselinnoye” in the Republic of Khakassia – 39.7 centners of feed units per animal, with a 305 day lactation yield of 6,498 kg and feed costs of 0.61 feed units per 1 kg of milk. No clear relationship was established between the amount of feed harvested and the level of milk productivity across all farms raising the Red and White cattle, which may be attributed to differences in the nutritional value of feed rations. At an average milk yield of 7,159 kg per cow, annual feed supply amounts to 54.0 centners of feed units, which is 28% below the recommended level (75 centners of feed units). At the same time, feed costs per unit of output average 0.75 feed units across the breed, which is within the recommended range. Thus, the Red and White cows demonstrate efficient feed conversion into milk.с
Keywords
Red and White breed, feed supply level, milk productivity, feed costs, cost of milk