Hainan Yellow Cattle

Hainan Yellow Cattle

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle, also known as Gaofeng Yellow Cattle, are described in the 1976 publication *Guangdong Province Livestock and Poultry Resources Compendium* as primarily characterized by prominent shoulder humps, giving them a slight resemblance to the Indian Zebu cattle. Other features include a long head, short forehead, large ears, short horns, a high withers, broad body frame, slender and sturdy limbs, soft and elastic skin, short and dense coat, and a long tail. In 2003, Hainan Yellow Cattle were included in the *China Livestock and Poultry Breed Resource Conservation Directory*.

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle are a dual-purpose breed used for both draft and meat production.

　　The densest population of Hainan Yellow Cattle is found in the Yangshan area of Xiuying District, Haikou City, mainly distributed across towns such as Shishan, Yongxing, Zuntan, Shizilu, Longtang, and Jiuzhou.

　　The main production areas are Dongfang, Ledong, Danzhou, Chengmai, and Ding’an, with smaller numbers raised in other cities and counties.

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle have a documented history of over two thousand years. Over time, under the natural conditions of Hainan’s rich grasslands and through the diligent breeding and strict selection by local farmers, they have developed traits such as heat resistance, drought tolerance, endurance, ability to thrive on coarse feed, and strong disease resistance. They are highly favored by local farmers, especially in water-scarce volcanic rock regions.

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle are widely raised by farmers in western Hainan. According to statistics from the Hainan Provincial Bureau of Statistics in 2005, the cattle population in production areas reached 435,600, accounting for 62% of the province’s total, including 107,000 breeding females (56% of the provincial total), and 71,500 calves born that year (63% of the provincial total). In 2008, the total number was 478,700, with 373,100 kept in stock and 105,600 slaughtered.

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle bulls typically have well-developed shoulder humps, usually ranging from 7 to 19 centimeters in height. Bulls aged 4–5 years have an average hump height of 15 cm (range 12–19 cm), while castrated bulls average 11 cm (range 6–14 cm); the size is related to the age of castration. Bulls aged 2–3 years average 7 cm (range 6–12 cm). Cows have lower or less distinct humps. Locals classify humps into two types: one with a wider and thicker top, called “plate-type,” and another with a narrower and thinner top, called “comb-type.”

　　Adult Hainan Yellow Cattle bulls weigh between 293–384 kg on average, with the heaviest reaching 419 kg; adult cows average 260 kg, with the heaviest at 408 kg; castrated bulls average 312–331 kg.

　　Hainan Yellow Cattle are of medium build. Their body length index is 107%–117%; chest girth index is 132%–139%; cannon bone circumference index is 14%–15%.

　　Meat production performance of Hainan Yellow Cattle: According to measurements by the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of the Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2007, the average slaughter rate is 50.43%, and the net meat yield rate I (net meat weight/carcase weight) is 76.85. Hide thickness is 0.32 cm, fat thickness: loin fat 0.23 cm, back fat 0.47 cm. Muscle thickness: inner thigh 5.33 cm, loin 1.78 cm.

　　Breeding performance of Hainan Yellow Cattle: Female cattle generally begin estrus at 19–21 months of age, with an estrus cycle of 15–20 days (longer for first-calvers, about 25–30 days). Estrus lasts 1–2 days, and the initial breeding age is 21–24 months. Most cows give birth once a year, though some have two calves in three years. Under good feeding conditions, cows can come into estrus and be bred again 50–60 days after calving. Fertility declines after around 14–15 years of age but can be extended with proper care. The conception rate is 81%, and calf survival rate exceeds 85% (per data from the Hainan Provincial Animal Husbandry Management Station). Calves rarely get sick, with a survival rate of over 95%. Records show most calves are born between October and August the following year.

　　Evaluation of the Hainan Yellow Cattle breed: Over two thousand years, under Hainan’s rich grassland conditions and through the hard work and selective breeding of farmers, Hainan Yellow Cattle have developed traits such as heat resistance, drought tolerance, endurance, ability to thrive on rough feed, strong disease resistance, stable genetic performance, thin hide, high meat yield, and tender meat. To better organize breed resources and unlock production potential, it is essential to purify the Hainan Yellow Cattle breed and expand artificial grassland development, establish scientific feeding and management standards, and include these efforts in Hainan’s agricultural science and technology projects. Establish provincial purebred core herds and various conservation systems. Strongly support specialized households, combining farm-based selective breeding with community participation. While preserving the breed, develop and market it rationally to meet market demand and tap into international markets. In grassland development, promote the planting of high-quality, high-yield gramineous forage such as Guinea grass, King grass, and Setaria sphacelata, as well as leguminous forage such as Stylosanthes and Leucaena leucocephala. Build upon the current foundation to transition Hainan Yellow Cattle from draft to meat production, elevating both quality and quantity to a new level. Meet market needs and open up international opportunities.