The noticeable characteristic of Sanhe cattle
is the adaptability to the adverse environment where the temperature
gets as low as -50 degrees Celsius. During a severe winter a monthly
average temperature is below zero degrees Celsius.
The grassland is completely covered with snow
for about 200 days and the grass-growing season is limited to five
months in a year. Cows usually drink ice water during the winter,
and are exposed to direct sunlight with an air temperature as high
as 35 degrees Celsius during the summer. Sanhe cattle can also stand
harsh feeding and resist insect bites.
The Sanhe cow has a height of 130 cm and a
live weight of 880 lbs.
Milk Production
The lactation length for Sanhe cows averages
about 300 days but varies according to the feeding and management
conditions. The average milk production per lactation is about 3000
kg with an average fat percent of 4.1 to 4.5.
Reference:
Cheng. P. (1984) Livestock breeds of China.
Animal Production and Health Paper 46 (E, F, S). Publ. by FAO, Rome,
217 pp.
