Linear assessment of Salers cows exterior in the conditions of Western Siberia

The aim of the study is to compare the exterior features of Salers cows of the 1st, 3rd and 4th generations when bred in the conditions of Western Siberia. Objectives: to conduct a study of the exterior of cows of different generations by measurements and body build indices; to test the linear exterior assessment system. Research was carried out in OOO Tyumen meat company (limited liability company) and OOO Bizon (limited liability company) of the Omutinsky District of the Tyumen Region. The object of the study was Salers cows of the 1st, 3rd and 4th generations. The number of evaluated animals of each generation was 50 animals. Cows were assessed 2-4 months after first calving. The measurements were taken according to generally accepted methods for measuring cattle. Body indices were calculated based on the measurements. Linear assessment was carried out visually; some of the signs were assessed when measuring animals according to the method of O.M. Sheveleva (2021). The results of the study were processed biometrically according to the method of N.A. Plokhinsky (1970). Processing was carried out using the Microsoft Excel software package. Cows of III and IV generations are characterized by high growth (height at the withers - 130.1 cm; in the rump - 135.2 cm; 7.5-7.9 points), a well-developed chest (chest girth behind the shoulder blades - 192.5 cm ; chest depth - 64.6; chest width - 38.6 cm), strong constitution (6.6-6.8 points), rather long sacrum (7.3-7.8) and back (6.7-7, 0), correct positioning of the limbs (6.5-6.9), with a well-developed hoof horn (6.4-6.9 points). But at the same time, the width of the pelvis (5.5-5.6 points) and the roundness of the pelvis (5.0-5.2 points) are assessed satisfactorily. Animals have a fairly flat topline (6.0-6.5 points) and well-developed muscles (5.8-6.0 points).