Cows in sub tropical zones.

[Guest guest]

Ø On 28 Aug 1999, Samba das wrote:

 

Ø Can anyone reccomend the best breeds (European or Indian) for health,

bull

calf trainability and milk production in tropical to sub tropical zones?

 

Ø European cows (B. taurus) come from cold climates although there are

breeds

that are adapted to the hotter climes, i.e. West Africa. But when you get into

these areas that are localized diseases which many outside breeds have little

resistance to. In West Africa it is trypanosomiasis a group of diseases more

commonly called sleeping sickness. Jerseys and other European breeds taken to

West Africa usually succumb to these diseases. However there are local breeds

that are also Taurean that are resistant to these illness.

 

1. So, the limiting factor is are their diseases that are very common in

the

area in question?

2. The next question is their native breeds in the area? Native meaning a

breed that has been in the locality for 4 or 5 hundred years. It is always

better to choose from these animals than importing into the area another breed

that usually not adapted to local conditions.

3. Do the local disease resistant breeds produce enough milk for your

needs?

Are interested in producing enough for yourself and a few friends or are you

wanting to support the family on many milk sales? For example one

trypanosome-tolerant breed is the N'Dama of Guinea. They produce 2 to 3 litres

per day (just under a gallon) for about eight months. For a family this is

alright but commercially not so good.

 

The America's and Australia are two large geographical areas that do not have

local breeds. Cows are recent arrivals so the above does not matter as much

because there is no breed that is really adapted. Except in America the

Longhorn and the Piney Woods both these breeds are about 500 years old and

well adapted to the southern part of the USA. They however are not seen as

dairy animals though they do produce milk in similar quantities to the N'Dama

mentioned above. It should also be noted that most Americans are use to store

bought milk which is mainly from Holsteins (Freisland) which is low in butter

fat (3.64%) and proteins (3.9%). The above mentioned breeds, N'Dama, Longhorn

and Piney Woods all produce milk that is much higher in fats.

 

I would advise that you look on Mauritius for your cows talk to the locals to

find out who has the best cows in your area. Then get from him. Most likely

they are Sanga-type animals from East Africa probably with some Indian blood.

They are probably not large producers, but by being selective in your

foundation stock and using improved farming methods to increase the quality of

your feed and fertility of the land, great improvements can be made over local

production. When buying animals you should engage the skill of an experienced

cowherd to guide your choice.