The Kostroma cows are double purpose animals that are primarily used as dairy cows. Due to their high milk production. They also have beef features.
Kostroma cattle are really hardy and long-lasting animals. The cows are extremely good milk producers and some cows may produce milk till twenty years old.
Typical milk production of the cows varies from 3900 to 5000 liters with 3.3-3.6 percent protein plus 3.7%- 3.9% fat content.
But under the intensive direction, the cows can produce approximately 6000 to 8000 kg of milk per lactation (occasionally up to 10000 kg).
The Kostroma cattle have similarities in appearance to the White cattle. However, they have a body and long head with a more narrow forehead than the Brown Swiss.
These animals may be characterized by a powerful constitution, hardiness, and high milk production over a long lifetime.
Their back and loin are wider and straighter. They are generally light grey in color with a yellow top line.
Like most other dairy cattle strains, the Kostroma cows are often docile in behavior and also have a comparatively calm nature.
The strain is also good for beef production. Normally, a yearling steer may reach approximately 450-500 kg with a dressing percentage of 58 to 60 percent.
History
The Kostroma cows are a Russian strain developed in the first half of the 20th century. It was developed in the Kostroma Oblast of Russia’s Upper Volga area.
The breed has been made based mostly on crossbreeding local improved cattle breeds using Alllgau, Brown Swiss and Ayrshire bulls.
Two herds of cattle the ‘Miskov and Babaev’ from the Kostroma region were the basis of this breed. Out of Southern Germany, the Babaev herd was spanned From the 19th century, also with Brown Swiss form 1912.
Crossbreeding with Brown Swiss strain lasted on State farms out of 1920, and a few Ayrshire bulls were also used.
The normal milk production from the herd of this Karavaevo country farm reached 6310 kg in 1940. Now the breed is used for meat production and for milk production.
The Kostroma cows breed was recognized by the Soviet People’s Commissariat of Agriculture on November 27, 1944.
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