Kholmogory cattle are one of the oldest dairy breeds. The
first mention of them dates back to the 18th century. They were developed in
the Kholmogory district, Russia; where favorable economic and local fodder
conditions contributed to their formation. In the region from 1693 to 1728 foreign
cows of different breeds were imported. The region was one of the commercial
ports through which brisk trade with foreign countries was carried out. Ice
cream milk, meat, and live cattle were exported in large quantities. Local
Kholmogory cattle were bred to Dutch and Holstein cattle. The newly-received
Kholmogory breed of cows was officially registered and presented to the
agricultural community in 1937.
They are large and have a pronounced milky body type. Most
are black and motley, although sometimes they are red-motley, red and black.
The milk yield is 3000-3300 kg, the fat content of milk is 3.6 - 3.7%. From
cows-recorders for lactation, receive 7000-10 000 kg of milk. Cattle are well
acclimatized.
Kholmogory cows on the average have a mass of 480-590 kg,
bulls-producers 850-950 kg. The largest cows reach 800 kg and more, bulls -
1200 kg. The reproductive function is well developed in individuals. So, at
birth, the live weight of chicks is 32-35 kg, bull-calves - 37-39 kg. At 18
months of age, the mass is 370-390 kg.
About Kholmogory Cattle
