ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Belgian Blue History As the name implies, Belgian Blue cattle originated in central and upper Belgium. During the second half of the 19th Century Shorthorn bulls were exported from the UK to Belgium to improve the native population which was primarily of the dairy type (red-pied and black-pied cattle). Some sources also cite the introduction of Charolais breeding throughout the 19 th  Century. Between 1920 and 1950 there was active selection for this dual purpose type of animal. 1950 to 1960 saw a move to favour animals with heavier muscling. The real break through came in the 1960's with the development of the extreme double muscling characteristics. As a result of skilful selection, the 'Blue' as we know it today was born. The Belgian Blue cattle are also known as Race de la Moyenne et Haute Belgique, Belgian Blue-White, Belgian White and Blue Pied, Belgian White Blue, Blue, Blue Belgian. Characteristics Photo courtesy of Belgian Blue Sires,  www.belgianbluesires.com The

 Calf rearing Why calf management is important in cattle management. Today's calf will be a good dairy cow tomorrow. Therefore, proper feeding of calves is essential. In order to obtain an animal with high productivity, the animal must reach the required body growth at a certain age from an early age. The average birth weight of a calf is about 7% of the adult body weight of that species. This body weight should be approximately 10% of the adult weight at the time of weaning. For this the daily growth rate of the calf should be maintained between 600-750g. Proper calf control is required to maintain that growth rate of the calf. The average calf is about 18-20 months old and about 75% of its body weight is required to conceive. Failure to do so will result in weakening of the calf, poor production of the heifer and poor physical condition. If not properly controlled in the early stages of the animal, the pups will not be able to reach the required body weight within the appropriate