The Kostroma cattle are a Russian breed developed in the first half of the 20th century. It was developed in the Kostroma Oblast of Russia’s Upper Volga region.
The breed was created based mostly on crossbreeding local improved cattle breeds with Alllgau, Brown Swiss and Ayrshire bulls. Two improved herds of local cattle the ‘Miskov and Babaev’ in the Kostroma area were the basis of this breed.
In the late 19th century, the Babaev herd had been crossed with Allgau bulls from Southern Germany, and with Brown Swiss form 1912.
Crossbreeding with Brown Swiss breed continued on State farms from 1920, and some Ayrshire bulls were used. The average milk production in the herd of the Karavaevo state farm reached 6310 kg in 1940.
Today the breed is used primarily for milk production and also for meat production. The Kostroma cattle breed was recognized by the Soviet People’s Commissariat of Agriculture on November 27, 1944. Read some more information about the breed below.
Kostroma Cattle Characteristics
The Kostroma cattle have similarities in appearance to the Brown Swiss cattle. But they have longer head and body with narrower forehead than the Brown Swiss.
These animals are easily characterized by a strong constitution, hardiness and high milk production over a ling lifetime. Their back and loin are straighter and wider. They are generally light grey in color with a yellow top line. Info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Kostroma cattle are dual purpose animals. But today they are mainly used as a dairy cattle for milk production. They also have good beef characteristics.
Special Notes
Kostroma cattle are a very hardy and long-lived animals. The cows are very good milk producers and some cows can produce milk until twenty years of age. Typical milk production of the cows vary from 3900 to 5000 kg with 3.3-3.6 percent protein and 3.7-3.9 percent fat content.
But under intensive management the cows can produce about 6000 to 8000 kg of milk per lactation (sometimes as much as 10000 kg). Like most other dairy cattle breeds, the Kostroma cows are usually docile in behavior and have relatively calm temperament.
The breed is also good for meat production. On average, a yearling steer can reach about 450-500 kg with a dressing percentage of 58 to 60 percent. Review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Kostroma |
| Other Name | Russian: костромская порода крупного рогатого скота, kostromskaya poroda krupnogo rogatogo skota |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly milk, also meat |
| Special Notes | Docile, friendly, good milkers |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Coat Color | Light grey with yellow top line |
| Milk Yield | Excellent |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Russia |
