The Kazakh white-headed bull was unrivaled at KazAgro/KazFarm

Even before the official opening of the exhibition, the largest number of visitors gathered at the show site with pedigree animals brought to participate in the show-contest. Everybody could admire the statuesque and spirited bulls - foreign guests, journalists from World of NAN, farmers, ordinary citizens, whose attention, most likely, was initially attracted by the huge number of agricultural machinery at the pavilion, and the cute "contestants".

Some tried to feed the stubborn steers with hay, and especially gamblers evaluated the animals and even made bets. The competition itself began in the afternoon and was the most awaited event of the international exhibition.

Angus, Hereford and Kazakh white-headed steers competed for the title of the best representative of their breed up to 3 years old. Only 30 bulls were brought by breeding farms from different parts of our country. On review-competition the owners chose the strongest and most enduring animals. After all, everything was estimated: genotype, fatness, correct proportions. Particular attention was paid to appearance - legs, back, neck, chest, joints, skull shape, jaw and even eye pigmentation! The judge, PJ Badler of the Texas International Beef Union Academy, also considered the animal's disposition. As it turned out, the animal did not have to show a tough attitude and defiance. On the contrary, bulls had to demonstrate their power and character with calmness and restraint. It should be noted that not all of them could do it. Bulls which saw each "contestant" as a rival, tried to "show" who was the boss in the ring - proudly strolling in front of the audience and competitors.

And there was a lot to be proud of. The biggest bull - Angus named Spartak weighed about a ton. The spectators were fascinated by powerful legs and muscles of the animal. The 580-kilogram beauty Hereford was also called the undisputed favorite of the competition. A young representative of the Kazakh white-headed Porsche was also enlisted as a contender for the championship from the very beginning of the competition.

"I'm already saying this steer will win. Look at the legs. And how well-fed, the shapes are right!", I hear two aksakals talking. We get acquainted. Elaskhan Yeleusizov turns out to be an agrarian veteran. He worked as a territorial inspector for many years. It was the first time he came to the exhibition. He said he was a true Porsche fan. He even "bet" on it.

Meanwhile, after the first qualifying round the judge chose the best representatives of breeds. Three bulls were to fight for the title of absolute champion. The audience by that time had already "called" the winners. Fans shouted names of animals. Someone shouted "Angus will win", someone "Hereford is the best", but most of the fans rallied the Kazakh Akbas.

To the cries of "Akbas, alga!" PJ Badler named the champion. He, to the delight of the audience, was a 21-month-old Akbas Porsh, weighing 550 kilograms. The star of the competition was brought from "Galitskoye" LLP of Pavlodar region.

"This is the best representative of his breed. He is mature, has a powerful jaw, excellent leg structure and very developed musculature. Fat but athletic in build. Porsche was the best today," commented judge PJ Badler on the bull's victory.

This is the second visit of the guest to Kazakhstan. He was first invited to judge in 2017. Originally from South Africa, he has been living and working in the United States for the past 9 years. A cattle geneticist by profession, PJ Badler has 22 years of experience judging international competitions in 95 countries. He admits that he has worked with 57 different breeds of cattle.

Impressed by the success of the Kazakh Whitehead, PJ Badler prophesies a great future for Akbas on the international scene.

"This breed is well adapted to the local climate, the environment. When I was evaluating the Akbas, I looked at different criteria. It is very important that they are hardy, quickly gain weight. I was told that akbasses are not very picky about the fodder, it's also an indisputable plus. I also liked the atmosphere of today's show. It was perfectly organized and intense", - said the foreign expert.

As for the winners, they were awarded diplomas and gifts from the organizers. The main prize - car will be delivered to the breeding farm "Galitskoye" Ltd.

The spectacular contest was continued by no less interesting tasting of steaks. They were fried and served right outside. Beautiful weather allowed taking the time to enjoy the taste of marbled beef from Kazakh producers.

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