Developing a high-quality beef cattle herd.

As one of the key livestock species in Thanh Hoa province's livestock development, the agricultural sector and localities with potential for developing beef cattle herds have encouraged the application of science and technology, built biosecure cattle farming models, and stockpiled roughage... This has improved the quality of livestock and brought high economic efficiency to the people.

Developing a high-quality beef cattle herd. Beef cattle farm in Bai Tranh commune (Nhu Xuan district).

To improve the quality of beef cattle, in 2023 the Thanh Hoa Agricultural Institute implemented the project "Applying science and technology to build a model for raising beef-oriented hybrid cattle in the midland and mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa province". In the districts of Trieu Son, Tho Xuan, Cam Thuy, Thuong Xuan, etc., agricultural officials and people received training and technology transfer on artificial insemination of cattle, procedures for caring for pregnant cows and F1 hybrid cattle, raising beef-oriented hybrid cattle at various stages, and feed mixing. In addition, models were developed such as raising Zebu hybrid cows for artificial insemination using frozen Droughtmaster semen, raising F1 hybrid cattle for fattening using biosafety practices, and linking along the value chain.

According to Le Tran Thai, Deputy Director of the Center for Research, Testing and Livestock Services ( Thanh Hoa Agricultural Institute): "From building models in localities, we have created 2,115 F1 hybrid cows, helping localities proactively create foundation herds of female cows to serve the production of high-quality beef cattle breeds, contributing to the transformation of livestock breeds with high productivity, quality and economic efficiency. In addition, the unit has also built 20 bio-secure commercial farming models of F1 hybrid cattle with a scale of 200 F1 Droughmates hybrid cows, achieving a survival rate of 100%. After 12 months, the F1 hybrid cows grew and developed quite well, adapting to the climatic conditions in the localities; reaching a weight of 240kg/cow, with a weight gain 3 to 5% higher than some Zebu breeds. At the same time, we have built a fattening model with a survival rate of 100%."

Crossbreeding is a widely used breeding method in beef cattle production aimed at increasing heterozygosity and reducing homozygosity. This method produces hybrids with better vitality, adaptability, and disease resistance; it also increases reproductive capacity, growth, and yields higher productivity and better quality.

It is known that, on average, each year, localities in the province have performed artificial insemination using approximately 27,000 doses of bull semen, importing several breeds such as BBB, Droughtmaster, RedAgus, and frozen semen for crossbreeding with Zebu crossbred cows to improve the productivity and quality of the cattle herd. Specialized beef cattle breeds have been imported into our country for crossbreeding and improvement of local cattle breeds, demonstrating clear hybrid vigor and utilizing valuable genetic resources to increase productivity and meat quality in different ecological zones. The productivity and meat quality of crossbreds are 30 to 35% higher than that of local cattle breeds.

Besides applying science and technology to improve the size and quality of cattle, localities in the province have encouraged people to convert economically inefficient agricultural land to growing fodder crops to ensure a proactive supply of roughage and green fodder. Along with this, they utilize agricultural by-products and employ processing methods to store and improve feed quality. Currently, the entire province has developed approximately 17,000 hectares of fodder crops, of which about 80% is planted with high-yield, high-quality grass varieties such as VA06, Mulato, and elephant grass.

Mr. Nguyen The Van from Bai Tranh commune (Nhu Xuan district) said: "My family has dedicated 1 hectare of land to growing Mulato grass for our cattle. This not only helps us to be self-sufficient in feed for livestock and save costs in the production process, but also helps to improve the productivity and quality of our animals."

On the other hand, to improve the quality of beef cattle, localities in the province have focused on building beef cattle farming models along the value chain, developing production and consumption linkage models between beef cattle farmers and businesses; and emphasizing vaccination and implementing disease prevention and control measures.

Currently, to develop high-quality beef cattle, the agricultural sector is coordinating with localities to expand the area of pasture land, encouraging people to build barns; promoting the transfer of scientific and technical advancements in livestock farming and disease prevention and control; and continuing research and development of new cattle breeds with high immunity and good meat quality. In addition, it is creating favorable conditions for businesses to invest in livestock farming, especially in slaughtering and product consumption.

Text and photos: Le Ngoc

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