How long does the growth cycle of Luxi cattle generally take?
How long is the growth cycle of Luxi cattle? Luxi cattle are known for their large body size, stable genetic performance, strong draught power, tolerance of coarse feed, ease of management, dry and elastic skin, and dual purpose as draught and meat animals. Under normal conditions, the growth cycle of Luxi cattle is 11 months to about 1 year. Below, the editor of Qiannong Network introduces other related information about Luxi cattle.
Sexual maturity age of Luxi cattle
1. Sexual maturity age: bulls around 12 months of age, cows 8-10 months of age.
2. Breeding age: bulls 2-2.5 years, cows 1.5-2 years. Cows reach sexual maturity earlier, with the first mating age generally 1.5-2 years; some can conceive at 8 months of age. Generally one calf per year, 7-8 calves in a lifetime, with a maximum of 15 calves. Luxi bulls reach sexual maturity relatively late, generally starting mating after two years of age, with sexual function at its peak before 5 years of age.
3. Estrus season: Luxi cattle are year-round estrous animals, but most concentrate from June to September.
4. Estrus cycle: 15-35 days, averaging 22 days.
5. Gestation period and reproductive survival rate: 270-310 days, averaging 287 days, generally one calf per pregnancy; the average reproductive survival rate is above 98%. Calf birth weight: male calves 22-35 kg, female calves 18-30 kg. Weaning weight: male calves about 145 kg, female calves about 120 kg. Average daily gain during the suckling period: bulls 0.63 kg, cows 0.55 kg.
Production performance of Luxi cattle
In terms of production performance, according to slaughter measurements, 18-month-old steers had an average dressing percentage of 57.2%, net meat rate of 49.0%, bone-to-meat ratio of 1:6.0, fat-to-meat ratio of 1:4.23, and ribeye area of 89.1 sq cm. Adult cattle had an average dressing percentage of 58.1%, net meat rate of 50.7%, bone-to-meat ratio of 1:6.9, fat-to-meat ratio of 1:37, and ribeye area of 94.2 sq cm. The muscle fibers are fine, the meat quality is good, the fat distribution is uniform, and the marbling is obvious. They grow and develop quickly; at one year of age, body measurements can reach 79% of adult size, and body weight is equivalent to 10.1 times the birth weight. The individuals are tall and large; bulls have a body height of 146.3 cm, body length of 160.9 cm, chest circumference of 206.36 cm, body weight of 685.18 kg, and a maximum body weight of 1040 kg. The hide quality is good, and after processing no eye spots appear. They are docile in temperament, strong in body and disease-resistant, and easy to raise and manage.
Meat production performance of Luxi cattle
Adult bulls (over 5 years old) have an average body height of 1.48 m, body slant length of 1.65 m, and chest circumference of 2.05 m; adult cows have an average body height of 1.30 m, body slant length of 1.45 m, and chest circumference of 1.80 m.
For 18-month-old Luxi bulls, the pre-slaughter body weight was 349.85 kg, carcass weight 200.75 kg, net meat weight 176.6 kg, dressing percentage 58.85%, net meat rate 50.48%, bone-to-meat ratio 1:5.49, and ribeye area 86.50 sq cm; for 18-month-old cows, the pre-slaughter body weight was 319.23 kg, carcass weight 186.03 kg, net meat weight 162.81 kg, dressing percentage 58.90%, net meat rate 51.01%, bone-to-meat ratio 1:5.98, and ribeye area 91.70 sq cm; the average dressing percentage of adult bulls and cows was 59.95%, net meat rate 52.66%, and ribeye area 94.47 sq cm.