BREED HISTORY
1870
The import of yellow colored bulls from the Swiss Simmental region and cross-breeding with local red and white spotted Austrian cattle (Fleckvieh) results in a medium stature and very robust breed in various shades of Color and markings. The variety in color is of no significance as far as usage or genetic properties are con cerned.
1894
Foundation of the first Austrian Simmental Fleckvieh Breeding Association.
As late as 1950
The top priority was milk, meat and work (featuring superior fitness andan even temper as a basis for balanced breeding).
After 1975
Milk and fitness were given increased attention while still keeping an eyeon meat output.
1997
Introduction of the Total Merit Index as a very balanced Breeding Aim for milk, beef and fitness.
NOW
With over 1.7 million animals, the Fleckvieh/Simmental is the most widely spread breed of cattle in Austria. Simmental/Fleckvieh can be found in intensive big-scale farms in Europe and North America, Australia or South America as well as countries where cattle on small scale farms secure the daily survival of their owners.
Recently, great gains have been made in the genetic milk productiveness of the Fleckvieh through breed management to the point that the Fleckvieh rivals pure milk producing dairy breeds. Special value is placed on the Fleckvieh’s fitness characteristics including fertility, longevity, calving ease, udder health, milking speed, somatic cell count, and persistence.
A large percentage of young Fleckvieh cattle are on alpine grazing which results in good overall health and longevityof life.
Breeding target:
Milk 38 %
Beef 16 %
Fitness 46 %
Demographics:
Population: 1.626.105
Registered cows:277.579
Herds: 16.413
Share of breed: 77,7 % (7,4 % of cows on alpine grazing)
Characteristics:
Life weight: 650 – 850 kg.
Height of the rump: 140 – 150 cm
First calving (months): 29,8
Productive life span (yrs.): 3,8
Production:
6,000 kg milk (in the 1st lactation) and over 7,000 -9,000 kg milk in later lactactions.
Fat 4,2 %
Protein 3,7 %
Milk performance 2012 (all cows): 7.073 kg - 4.15 % F - 3.43 % P (305 Days)
Beef performance:
Registered cows: 5.215
Herds:736
Test station: 1.469 g
Carcasse weight: ca. 57,2 %
Auction sales: 1.371 g
EUROP classification E and U: > 85,7 %
Productionoptions:
Dairy or beef type dual purpose breed, excellent for crossing in suckler cow herds and beef production and commercial crossing for dairying. Suitable to all production and climate conditions, fertility, longevity, fit for pasture and loose housing.
Simmental cows have a high development potential and due to their longevity often reach their peak performance at higher lactation. The high sales value of cull cows and the excellent fattening properties of male descendants offer additional sources of income.
Guaranteed efficiency thanks to:
Good fertility: non-return rate: 72%
Calving intervals: 392 days
Low replacement rate: 21%
Low somatic cell count
Calving ease: 95,3 %
Living calfes born: 96 %
... superior beef performance!
Consistant selection featuring high daily weight gains and meat yield results, as well as calving ease have made Simmental cattle one of the leading breeds in beef production in pure breeding as well as crossbreeding.
And now there is also a good supply of polled Simmental bulls. There liable milk yield of the Simmental cow guarantees high growth rates in calveseven under difficult feeding conditions. Outstanding daily gain, more than competitive with beef breeds.
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Publicado por Zaldibia Beiner
on 1:47.
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