The Angler breed of cows was bred in the XNUMXth century in Germany. Such cattle are distinguished by high milk productivity and have gained wide popularity in European countries. But it is worth noting that keeping animals involves a number of their own characteristics and requirements that must be observed. Only this approach will improve the health of cows and get the maximum amount of milk from them.
Angler cow
Appearance
The Angler (the second name is Angelic) cow appeared as a result of crossing local German breeds of cattle and animals imported from the shores of the Baltic Sea. This to a certain extent influenced the appearance and physique of the breed.
It is believed that Anglers belong to the dairy type of productivity, but their appearance makes it possible to consider them meat and dairy. The main features of the exterior of animals are:
- fleshy voluminous body;
- wide chest;
- straight back;
- limbs of medium length with well-developed joints;
- strong neck;
- the small size udder is well developed and cup-shaped.
The skin of a cow is covered with short hair. The color of the coat is represented by various shades of brown. The height of the animal at the withers, as a rule, does not exceed 130 cm.
Productivity characteristic
Initially, Angler cattle were bred as an exclusively dairy breed. The average annual milk yield from one animal is 5,5 thousand kg of milk. At the same time, milk itself is highly valued for its taste. It has a sweet taste and pleasant aroma. The fat content of the product ranges from 4,9 to 5,2%. At the same time, such dairy products contain a large amount of minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
In the process of further improvement of the breed line, German breeders managed to turn it into a universal one. In addition to large milk yields, the animal also gives tender beef with small layers of fat. The slaughter yield of meat in anglers reaches 55%. The weight of an adult cow reaches 500 kg. At the same time, bulls, with proper fattening, easily pass the mark of 1000 kg.
bull angler
The Angler cattle is also highly valued as a starting material for breeding work. By crossing it with other varieties, it is possible to transfer high milk production to them and slightly improve the exterior.
Maintenance and feeding
In terms of keeping, this cattle is rather unassuming. When breeding it, it is enough to adhere to the basic sanitary and veterinary standards that are observed when growing any other variety. But here about the nutrition of living creatures should be told in more detail.
The diet is compiled with strict consideration of the physiological state of the animal and the time of year. In the summer, the main component of the cow’s menu is green grass from pastures. As a top dressing is used:
- tear from oats – 2-2,2 kg per head;
- meal – 600 g;
- bran – 500-600 g.
If the owner does not have access to extensive free pastures, then greens should be placed in feeders for each animal. In this case, the norm for one individual is 15 kg.
In winter, pasture is replaced with hay and silage. The daily diet is as follows:
- hay – 6 kg per head;
- silage – not less than 30 kg;
- sunflower cake – 1,5 kg;
- beets and other root crops – about 4-5 kg.
Also, as a supplement, it is necessary to introduce bran into food. Roughage is best fed at the first meal of the day. All other components are served during the day at the same time.
Bran
It is extremely important to make a gradual transition from winter to summer diet. To do this, green fodder is mixed with hay, increasing their volume every day, until only greens remain in the feeder.
Attention! During the grazing period, be sure to provide cattle with free access to water. In this case, the watering place is placed in the immediate vicinity of the grazing livestock. It is necessary to ensure that the approaches to the drinkers are non-slip and even.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Angler cow is considered the pride of German breeders. In other countries, its popularity is due to a number of significant advantages:
- unpretentiousness in terms of maintenance and nutrition;
- high milk yields;
- high-quality milk, characterized by excellent taste and nutritional value;
- average meat productivity and high quality of beef;
- calm disposition, which simplifies cohabitation with other pets;
- easy calving, practically not requiring human assistance.
The pedigree line does not imply significant negative moments. They can be traced in individual individuals, manifesting themselves in character traits. But owners quickly get used to such moments.
Due to a wide range of advantages, Angler cattle are now valued by breeders all over the world. It is also used to improve the qualities of native breeds. You can buy such livestock in Russia in many specialized farms, as well as in online stores.
