Production performance of crossbred cattle (Wagyu × Holstein) from 12 to 30 months of age in Ba Vi - Hanoi
This study was conducted on 50 male and 50 female WH (Wagyu × Holstein) crossbred cattle, aged from 12 to 30 months and raised at the Ba Vi Cattle and Forage Research Centre, were used to evaluate feed intake, growth performance, reproductive performance, and meat quality. Body weight was recorded at three-month intervals, while daily feed intake was measured to determine dry matter intake and nutrient intake. Reproductive traits were monitored in female cattle, whereas carcass performance and meat quality were evaluated in male cattle after slaughter. The results showed that dry matter intake and body weight increased progressively with age in both sexes, with males consistently outperforming females. At 30 months of age, male cattle reached a body weight of 676.73 kg, which was significantly higher than that of females (476.22 kg). Average daily gain of male cattle increased markedly during the 24 - 30-month period, reaching 1,288.80 g/head/day between 27 and 30 months of age. Female cattle exhibited an average age at first calving of 27.11 months, a gestation length of 283.65 days, a dystocia rate of 4.00%, and an abortion and premature calving rate of 6.00%. Male WH crossbred cattle achieved a dressing percentage of 53.84% and a lean meat yield of 42.16%. The meat contained 20.98% crude protein and 12.06% intramuscular fat, with a marbling score of 7.44 and tenderness classified as "tender" according to the USDA standard. These findings indicate that WH (Wagyu × Holstein) crossbred cattle exhibit good growth performance, adapt well to the production conditions in Ba Vi, and have considerable potential for high-quality beef production in Vietnam.
