One finds 3 color types in the breed: all-white, blue and black. These three types are due to the separation of some genes inherited from the Shorthorn. Of the three colors, black is the least prevalent.
Parental Combination | Compositions of the offspring | ||
White | Blue | Black | |
White x White | 100% | ||
White x Blue | 50% | 50% | |
White x Black | 100% | ||
Blue x Blue | 25% | 50% | 25% |
Blue x Black | 50% | 50% | |
Black x Black | 100% |
When heifers are about 16-19 months old and weigh between 350 kg to 400 kg, they enter their cycle. The average age at the first calving is 29.6 months. If the growth of the cattle during the breeding period is at a maximum, it is very likely that the first calving will occur before 24 months of age
The average pregnancy time for a male fetus is 282.6 days and that for a female fetus is 281.6 days. The prevalence of twins is 2.3%.
The birth weight of a male calf averages 47 kg, while for a female calf it is 44 kg.
The average time between calvings is 13.5 months (± 413 days). In 75% of cows, it varies between 11 and 15 months.
About 50% of newborns come from artificial insemination. The non-return rate is 65%.
A meat-type calf can bring in the trade market, two to three times more than a regular calf. The value of meat-type calves is due to the fact that most breeders do not take any risk and use a cesarean section during calving, which is considered a technical choice. This procedure minimizes perinatal mortality. When Belgian Blue bulls are used for practical crossbreeding with dairy cows, the rate of cesarean section is about 4%.
The average daily growth of breeding bulls aged 7-13 months is 1.6 kg per day. When finishing the fattening, it reaches 1.2 kg per day. Feed conversion is best with the meat type. With this type, there is lower consumption due to better conversion. This favorable consumption index is explained by the fact that weight consists of a composition more particular in protein, and at the same time has lower fat content. The consumption index is about 5 kg per kg of growth between 7 and 13 months. Since cattle usually have low fat deposits, they can be fattened on high-energy diets, leading to weight gain without risk of excess fat. The traditional formula is to breed bulls up to 19 months of age at about 650-700 kg.
The average pregnancy time for a male fetus is 282.6 days and that for a female fetus is 281.6 days. The prevalence of twins is 2.3%.
The birth weight of a male calf averages 47 kg, while for a female calf it is 44 kg.
The average time between calvings is 13.5 months (± 413 days). In 75% of cows, it varies between 11 and 15 months.
About 50% of newborns come from artificial insemination. The non-return rate is 65%.
A meat-type calf can bring in the trade market, two to three times more than a regular calf. The value of meat-type calves is due to the fact that most breeders do not take any risk and use a cesarean section during calving, which is considered a technical choice. This procedure minimizes perinatal mortality. When Belgian Blue bulls are used for practical crossbreeding with dairy cows, the rate of cesarean section is about 4%.
The average daily growth of breeding bulls aged 7-13 months is 1.6 kg per day. When finishing the fattening, it reaches 1.2 kg per day. Feed conversion is best with the meat type. With this type, there is lower consumption due to better conversion. This favorable consumption index is explained by the fact that weight consists of a composition more particular in protein, and at the same time has lower fat content. The consumption index is about 5 kg per kg of growth between 7 and 13 months. Since cattle usually have low fat deposits, they can be fattened on high-energy diets, leading to weight gain without risk of excess fat. The traditional formula is to breed bulls up to 19 months of age at about 650-700 kg.