Simmental Cattle
Origin and Development of the Breed
The Simmental cattle breed originates from the Swiss Simmental population, which developed in the Simme and Saane valleys in western Switzerland. In the second half of the 19th century, the breed was purchased and imported from Switzerland into central Slovenia. In the Pomurje region, the breed spread from Hungary. Today, the breed is widespread across Slovenia, especially in the Savinja, Central Slovenia, and Drava regions. The breed is also distributed worldwide.
Breed Description
Animals are yellow-brown to red with larger or smaller white patches. A white head, or at least a white marking on the head, is a dominant trait. The tip of the tail (switch) is also white. Mucous membranes, hooves, and horns are light-coloured, and the animals have a large body frame.
Breed Characteristics
The Simmental breed is the most numerous cattle breed in Slovenia. It is characterised by good milk yield, high protein and fat content in the milk, high daily weight gains in fattening animals, good muscling, and good fattening and carcass qualities. In suckler cow systems, good maternal instinct, adaptability to the environment, and easy calving of vital calves are also present. They are also good nurse cows, as in addition to their own calf they can rear an additional calf from another cow.
Breeding Purpose
The Simmental breed is a dual-purpose cattle breed used for both milk production and high-quality meat. Intensive housing systems are intended for milk production, while less intensive systems are combined,aiming to produce both milk and meat. During the growing season, animals also graze during the day. Some herds of Simmental cattle are included in suckler cow systems, whose goal is the production of weaned calves for further fattening. Suckler cow herds are usually kept on pasture all day without concentrate feeds. In winter, the cattle are housed and fed a basic ration of hay, grass, and maize silage, with added concentrates.
For more information
you can visit the breed data sheet https://www.genska-banka.si/register-pasem/pasma/lisasto-govedo/
or visit official website of the Association of Simmental Cattle Breeders of Slovenia: https://www.genska-banka.si/register-pasem/pasma/lisasto-govedo/
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