Comparative Assessment of the Fattening Qualities of Castrated Meat Cattle Breeds under Feeding and Housing Conditions

Abstract

Background and Aim. Modern beef cattle farming aims to increase productivity and ensure the rational use of resources through the improvement of housing systems and selection of genotypes with high fattening potential. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the growth intensity and feed conversion efficiency of castrates beef cattle of different breeds (Kazakh White-Headed, Simmental, and their crossbreeds) under pasture and stall-feeding conditions.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on steers of three genotypic groups over the period from birth to 21 months of age. The animals were kept under a two-phase system: pasture fattening followed by intensive stall fattening with a controlled diet. Measurements included live weight, average daily gain, feed intake, and morphometric parameters. Feed conversion was calculated as feed units per 1 kg of weight gain. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analysis of variance statistics to
determine the effects of genotype and feeding system.

Results. The highest values of live weight, average daily gains, and body conformation indices were observed in Group III castrates (Simmental and crossbreeds). Relative growth rates and weight gain coefficients showed genotype-specific differences: crossbreeds demonstrated early growth advantages, while Simmental animals maintained superiority by the end of the fattening period. Morphometric parameters and indices of muscularity and meatiness confirmed the high beef production potential of Group III animals.

Conclusion. The results highlight the importance of considering genotypic characteristics when designing feeding regimes and housing systems in beef cattle farming. The combined feeding syste  ensures stable growth and high feed conversion efficiency, while crossbreeds and Simmental cattle exhibit the best productivity, thereby improving the economic efficiency of the sector.