BLOOD HEMATOLOGICAL COUNT IN HOLSTEIN YOUNG CATTLE UNDER INTENSIVE TECHNOLOGY OF GROWING

Abstract

This study was aimed at detecting variation in hematologic characteristics in young Holstein cattle during completion of growing and fattening under intensive technology. The tests were held at Arteks-Agro Ltd., Kustchevsky District of Krasnodar Krai using progeny of Holstein breed cattle of Australian selection imported in 2008. The study was held in 2009 - 2011. For the purpose of the test, calves were obtained from Reflection Sovereign line heifers and divided into 4 groups (n=128). Each group consisted of 32 calves: I - control; and II, III, IV - test groups divided into two subgroups of 16 male and 16 female calves each. Hematologic evaluation was taken at 12, 15 and 18 months. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein in the morning, before feeding (n=3 from each subgroup). Metabolism increases with age in both bull-caves and heifers. During completion of growing and fattening in Holstein bull-calves and during growing in heifers hematologic properties were observed influenced by different milk feeding standards at the milk feeding period. Animals in test groups III and IV had better growth rates, and featured higher live weight as compared to groups I and II. Hematological characteristics in those groups were higher accordingly. Therefore, we recommend higher standards of milk feeding with addition of probiotic Cellobacterin in growing both replacement heifers and bull-calves for meat.