Qinchuan Cattle

Qinchuan Cattle

　　The main producing area of Qinchuan Cattle is the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi, known as the “800-li Qinchuan Plain.” Over two thousand years ago, the cattle industry was already quite developed. As far back as the Zhou Dynasty, there are records of “selecting fine cattle to offer to lords.” With beef that is “tender, marbled, and ideal for grilling or stewing, rich in fat and aroma,” it was considered a top-grade delicacy. Qinchuan Cattle is an outstanding native breed in China and one of the preferred breeds for producing high-quality beef. Its meat has a rich flavor and offers comprehensive nutrition, fully comparable to superior foreign breeds.

　　Qinchuan Cattle is one of China’s excellent indigenous yellow cattle breeds, originating from the Guanzhong area along the Wei River basin in Shaanxi. The distinctive physical traits of Qinchuan Cattle can be summarized as: “one long (long body), two square (square muzzle and rump), three wide (wide forehead, chest, and hindquarters), four tight (compact hooves), and five short (short neck and limbs).” They have a tall and robust build with well-developed muscles. Adult bulls average 145 cm in height, 153 cm in body length, and weigh 800 kg, while adult cows measure 130.3 cm in height, 148 cm in body length, and weigh 448.9 kg.

　　Qinchuan Cattle exhibit good performance for both draft and meat purposes. Bulls have a maximum pulling power of 475.9 kg, while cows reach 281.2 kg. From 6 to 18 months of age, the average daily weight gain is 0.7 kg for bulls, 0.55 kg for cows, and 0.59 kg for castrated males. The feed required per kilogram of weight gain is 7.83 kg for bulls, 8.69 kg for cows, and 9.63 kg for castrated males. The average slaughter rate is 58.28%, with a net meat yield of 50.5%. The average lactation period is 7 months, with a milk yield of 715.8 kg.

　　Female Qinchuan Cattle experience estrus year-round. Their initial estrus occurs at around 9.3 months of age, with an estrus cycle of 20.9 days and a gestation period of 285 days. Under normal conditions, cows can be productive up to 14–15 years of age. Bulls typically reach sexual maturity at 12 months, begin breeding at 2 years old, and can be used for breeding until they are 10 years old.

　　Through gradual selective breeding, the quality of Qinchuan Cattle at the farm has significantly improved. Compared to 1997, the proportion of premium-grade cows has increased from 56% to 80%, the birth weight of calves has risen from 25.5 kg to 26.7 kg, calf survival rate has improved from 85% to 95%, and the average daily weight gain of young cattle has increased from 15.5 kg to 16.1 kg.