Pinzgauer cattle in Slovakia

Abstract

The decrease in the population of Pinzgau cattle leads to changes in the production type from dairy to beef in system of suckler cows. Limousine breed was used as referential population for better description of results of Pinzgau cattle. The aim of the investigation was to compare growth intensity and muscle thickness measured by ultrasound of Pinzgau (39 heads) and Limousine (37 heads) heifers kept under low input condition in mountain region of Upper Orava in Slovakia. Live weights were obtained at birth (W0) and before pasture seasons at average age of 21 months (W1) and 33 months (W3) and after pasture season at average age of 26 months (W2). Ultrasound measurements of musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum at loins part and musculus gluteus above rump were done at 21 months. Growth intensity was calculated for periods within WB, W1, W2 and W3 respectively. Average muscle thickness measured by ultrasound in Pinzgau heifer group was 49.03 mm at loins and 91.74 at rump. Both ultrasound measured values were significantly higher in Limousine heifers (12 mm in loin and 13 mm at rump). Because of the fact that fat layers were higher in Pinzgau cattle, the portions of muscle layer from whole tissue layer were lower. W1, W2 and W3 were higher in Limousine group; the differences were 50.66, 55.33 and 37.37 kg, respectively. Average daily gain from birth to W1, W2 and W3 was significantly higher in Limousine heifers. Due to lower weight gain increase in Limousine heifers for last two controlled periods, average daily gain between WB and W2 or W1 and W2 was higher in Pinzgau than in Limousine heifers. This pilot study proved hypothesis that Pinzgau cattle has less musculature in the hind part of the body. More research is needed for better characteristics of beef production traits important for suckler cow´s low input production system to create enhanced breeding protocol for Pinzgau breed.