Research Article

Comparison of Limousine cattle with their crossbreds with Black-and-White breed managed under organic conditions on the Czarnocin farmin the years 2008–2009

Ewa Czerniawska-Piątkowska, Ewa Chociłowicz, Tomasz Możdżyński, Małgorzata Szewczuk

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 10(4), 2011, 31‒40

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare pure-bred Limousine cattle with their crossbreds with Black-and-White breed in regard to the selected zoometrical measurements, selected fertility indices as well as birth weight of calves and their daily body weight gains. The research was conducted on the Czarnocin organic farm located in theWest Pomerania Province. Purebred cows were characterized by a higher mean body weight, higher hip height and lower chest girth than crossbreds. Pure-bred individuals had slightly better fertility indices in comparison with their crossbred age mates. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weight and daily body weight gains at 210 days of age were found in bull calves compared with heifers.

Keywords: beef cattle, body weight, daily body weight gains, Limousine, organic breeding, zoometrical measurements