Rearing of suckler cows is considered as one of less efficient agricultural branches. Therefore, our intention was to study in greater detail all those aspects that would improve economy of rearing. We mainly focused on choice of breeds, nutrition and rearing methods. After review of numerous literature we discovered that British beef cattle breeds in comparison with continental European breeds are smaller in mature size, reach sexual maturity earlier, have less growth potential, better fertility, easier calving, have better meat quality and lower percentage of lean meat. The biggest advantage of British breeds is their earlier sexual maturity because they can first calve at two years of age if reared properly. Growth rate of calves from birth to weaning is more influenced by sire breed than cow breed. Nutritional requirements of cows are highest in postpartum period and lowest in the middle of gestation. Optimum calving season in Slovenian conditions is in late winter or early spring. Calving difficulty is usually influenced by mature size of sire breed and fitness of cow at calving. It is important calves get colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Grazing is the most common method of rearing suckler cows. Maintaining requirements and feed intake increase considerably when wintering outdoors. Feed loss increases as well. Indoor rearing is usually only used in wintertime. Creep feeding of calves should be used for their normal growth after they are three months old.
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