Qaidam Yellow Cattle

Qaidam Yellow Cattle

　　Qaidam Yellow Cattle

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: Edge regions of the Qaidam Basin in Qinghai Province.

　　Physical Characteristics: Sturdy build, compact structure, rectangular body shape. Short and thick head, with both bulls and cows having horns that curve outward, upward, and then forward; thin and short dewlap, short and narrow rump, round and large belly, relatively low-set limbs, medium-sized and sturdy hooves.

　　Breed Performance: Adult bulls stand 115.4 cm tall, cows 101.8 cm; average weight for bulls is 344.6 kg, and for cows 232 kg. Slaughter rate for adult castrated cattle is 52%, with a meat yield rate of 40.3% and a bone-to-meat ratio of 1﹕3.6. First-calf cows produce 64 kg of milk per month, while multiparous cows produce 72.5 kg; milk fat content is 4.2%. Bulls are ready for breeding at age 2, cows at 2–3 years old, with an estrus cycle of 10–25 days and duration of 36–48 hours.