Cattle - Lithuania Light Grey

   The Lithuanian Light Grey is an indigenous breed found in south–western, south-eastern parts of Lithuania. It is known, that Lithuanian Light Grey cattle were bred in Lithuania from the olden times and are typical to the country. Some years ago Lithuanian Light Grey cattle breed was almost replaced, mainly by black and white or other more-productive cattle breeds. At the present time this breed composes very small population and still is an endangered to disappear. In the second half of the 20th century, as a result of intensification of agriculture Lithuanian Light Grey cattle decreased in number mightily. Also, long time those native cattle were kept only by private owners and bred without breeding system. Nevertheless, this local breed still have specific characteristic: typical coat colour, body formation, qualities common to dairy-meat cattle, high adaptation and resistance. Lithuanian Light Grey cattle breed was recognized as unique and is included in Catalog of Diversity of World Agricultural Animals (Word Watch List).
   The original name of the breed – “šėmas” whith means grey coat colour is known only in Lithuanian language with no equivalent in any other language. Also the light grey cattle were bred in Latvia but they have more blue-grey colour and are named Latvian Blue cattle.
   The animals are light grey, light blue-grey or ash-grey in color, have light, forward oriented horns. Some individuals differ in the colour of head, which may be very light, and others have a differences in the colour of hind legs, that may be white. Also can be found animals with untypical brown coat undertone. Adult males on average weigh 950-1000 kg and females 400-550 kg with an average wither height of 130-135 cm and 121-131 cm respectively.
   In 2000 the milk recording data shows that the milk yield and milk quality traits of Lithuanian Light Grey cows is not lower than average milk yield in Lithuania. Lithuanian Light Grey cattle productivity is 4489 kg; the milk content 4.35% of fat and 3.26% of proteins. For the conservation purposes there are 2 herds formed, where the pure breeding is used. The Institute of Animal Science, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy and AnGR Committee are responsible for breed conservation and maintenance. The semen of males and DNA samples are stored, genetic characterization of this breed using DNA and biochemical markers is done.