Cattle - Lithuanian White Backed
The Lithuanian White Backed cattle is an indigenous breed found mostly in south-eastern regions of Lithuania. It is known, that white-backed cattle also were bred in the north-eastern regions of Poland, Scandinavian countries and some regions of Russia. From the ancient times they were bred also in Lithuania. In the beginning of the 20th century the number of animals was relatively high, but until now those native cattle were bred without systematic breeding, have been intensively improved by different black and white or even red cattle breeds. In 1995 formation conservation of Lithuanian White Backed cattle started by finding the most typical animals in private farms. 2 indigenous cattle herds, with pure breeding was farmed
According to size, body confirmation and milk productivity traits, this breed belong more to dairy cattle type, but there is possible to find animals with traits common to the dairy – beef productivity type. The milk yield and milk quality traits of Lithuanian White Backed cows is not lower than of the wide-spread cattle breeds in Lithuania. The average milk yield of Lithuanian White Backed cows is 4577 kg, the milk content 3.98% of fat and 3.26% of proteins.
According of colour Lithuanian White Backed cattle can be divided into two types: first type has black spots located on the white background, the second type has completely black head, neck and sides and white back. Also can be found animals with untypical brown colour. In general, the animals have characteristical white back and white side, light, forward oriented horns. Adult males weigh on average 900 kg and females 530 kg with an average wither height of 135 cm and 128 cm respectively. The breed is known for its adaptation to the locally prevailing climate, produces milk of good quality and the animals have a strong constitution.
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. Lithuanian White Backed cattle breed was recognized as unique and is included to Catalog of Diversity of World Agricultural Animals (Word Watch List).
