Cows usually become adults at the age of 2 or 2.5 years. The age range of 2.5 - 3 is suitable for them to breed. An adult cow weighs around 500kg on average and they can live up to 25-30 years old. A cow is called a calf when it is born, then a heifer and a cow after giving birth. The men are called ox, bull and bull. Although some features may differ according to races, in general, the structure of all races is almost the same.
It is important for cow producers that the cows calve every year. This is important both in terms of milk production and in terms of being sufficient in number and meeting the need. Therefore, care is taken to ensure proper nutrition and health checks.
Even if they are the same breed, the characteristics of all cows are different from each other. This becomes even more evident in racial changes. After a cow calves, the annual amount of milk is determined according to the milk it gives until weaning. This amount is around 8000 kg in domestic dairy cows. In order to increase the amount of milk taken, mostly Holstein cows are preferred. This type of cows can receive around 15000 kg-25000 kg of milk annually. Butchery cows fed for their meat are not milked, they simply suckle their young. The amount of milk taken annually varies according to the age of dairy cows. They are most productive between the ages of 5 and 6 years.
In general, the way of feeding the cows consists of dense forage mixed with roughage such as straw and grass. Intensive feeds are a mixture of pulp and grain containing special vitamins and minerals. The amount varies according to the characteristics of the cow. The diets and amounts of cows that will calve, give milk or are fed for meat vary.
Jersey and Holstein cows are preferred cow breeds as dairy cows. Angus, charlotte, limo, piedmontese and Belgian blue are among the breeds that are fed for their meat. Montofon and simental breeds are fed both for their meat and as milkers.