About the Fleckvieh Cattle Breed
About Fleckvieh
The Fleckvieh cattle breed can be considered as a dual-purpose breed, not only providing meat, but also milk production. Combine this with the breed’s drought qualities and you have a high-quality stock.
The Fleckvieh breed originated in central Europe where they cross-bread the local breed with the Simmental breed which was imported from Switzerland. Their history dates back to the 1830’s.
For those using the Fleckvieh cattle for meat production, they can be compared to the German Black Pied bulls. Some positives regarding the Fleckvieh breed is that their growth rate is quicker, smaller proportions of fat and the animal can be slaughtered at an earlier date on similar diets to other cattle breeds.
Why Fleckvieh
Full Blood Fleckvieh Simmental – “The most universal breed in the world!”
“Only animals whose ancestors from the herd books of countries recognized by the World Simmental Federation are eligible for the designation of Fullblood. Satisfactory evidence that the animal has no known ancestry of another breed must be provided to the American Simmental Association prior to registration.” (American Simmental Association)
History of Fleckvieh
Starting in 1830 original Simmentaler cattle from Switzerland were imported to the Bavarian Kingdom and to former Austria to improve the local dual purpose breeds. At that time the Simmental cattle were famous for their milk production and draft capacity but were late maturing with little depth and coarse bones.
In 1920 the herd book in Southern Germany was closed and Fleckvieh was developed as an independent breed. The breeding aims were focused on the “middle of the road type animal” with excellent muscling, good milk production and draft performance. Therefore, an excellent performance testing system and a strict breeding program were established. This systematic improvement of the production traits led to a modern, highly productive dual purpose breed that fits the economic needs of today. (Bavarian Fleckvieh Genetics)
Fullblood Fleckvieh cattle have proven their natural ability to be the foundation of the cattle industry worldwide. As the second most populous breed in the world, second only to the Bos Indicus breeds, Fleckvieh cattle adapt to very diverse environmental conditions and have a significant economic impact on global cattle production schemes. Developed as a multi-purpose breed, Fleckvieh cattle have the ability to perform up to the expectations of breeders worldwide.
Maternal Power
The most significant impact the Fleckvieh breed offers is outstanding maternal traits. Heavy emphasis has been placed on udder and teat quality. Improved udder traits have extended cow longevity, increased milk production, and led to higher wean weights. Fleckvieh [fullblood or percentage] increase milk production with a high percentage of milk solids. Genetic traits have been developed to fit the nutritional resources in different areas of the world.
Paternal/Terminal Power
When Fullblood Fleckvieh sires are utilized, great things happen. Calves have an increased growth rate, which leads to added marketable pounds. Offspring from Fleckvieh sires are often ready for harvest at 13-15 months of age, yielding desirable carcass characteristics demanded by consumers worldwide. Early maturing Fleckvieh cattle leads to early sexual development. The docile nature of Fleckvieh cattle is a plus in any environment.
Utilizing Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental sires on various breeds offers maximum heterosis because of the purity and consistency of the Fleckvieh genetic lines. Heterosis is the only input in cattle production that is free.
Fullblood Fleckvieh Cattle of Today
Modern Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental cattle truly are the most universal breed in the world.
- Increased heterosis
- Increased maternal traits
- Increased growth
- Calving ease and calf vigor
- Moderate frame
- Excellent fertility
- Superb longevity
- Polled and horned genetics
- Diverse genetic pool
- Highly environmentally adaptable
- Dedicated progressive breeders
- Ideal foundation for Simbrah