UN SDG
Livestock Studies 1997, Vol 37, Num, 2     (Pages: 023-036)
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The Livability, Growth and Reproductive Characteristics of Limousin Breed of Cattle in Central Anatolian Conditions

Muhterem AYDOĞAN 1 ,Orhan ALPAN 1 ,Levent KARAGENÇ 1

1 A Ü. Veteriner Fakültesi Zootekni Ana bilim Dalı, Ankara- TÜRKİYE - Some productive performances of the Limousin herd imported from Germany were studied at the Anatolian State farm. The starting animal material of the study consisted of 50 pregnant heifers and their 35 offsprings.

The average first calving weight of the heifers was 522.5 kg. The mean birth weights of the male and female calves were 40.9 and 37.5 kg respectively. The difference was significant (P<0.01). Male calves were heavier than females at all measurement periods.

The average value of wither height, body length, heart girth and cannon bone circumference in males were 110.2, 122.7, 148.5 and 17.4 cm at 12 months of age.

Six heifers were lost from the imported material. Five of the heifers died during or after difficul calving. The ratio of the calf 1055 was 10.5 % in the first three months. The average number of insenination per conception for the second pregnancy was 2.52. The cows inseminated artificially.

The performances of the Limosins were lower than the breed averages in the countries where the breed has been developped. The Limosins were imported to be used as sire breed for terminal crossings. The results indicated that the management practices are needed to be improved at the state farm for the animals to show their optimum genetic potential. Keywords :