Simmental-Fleckvieh in Switzerland (2007)

Development of the breed Simmental-Fleckvieh

A. Bigler

Breeding Simmental-Fleckvieh started in Switzerland more than 100 years ago. Already in these days Simmental cattle has been exported to many different countries for breeding purpose. In 1968 artificial insemination has been introduced and in the same time crossbreeding with Red Holstein (RH) became popular. Over the last thirty years a Swiss Red Holstein population has been established. Combined animals based on the breeds Simmental x Red Holstein are called Swiss Fleckvieh (SF). They are very popular in milk production herds, but due to the limited offer of breeding bulls the population of Swiss Fleckvieh is decreasing. Purebred Simmental (SI) is still the main breed in the mountain areas. In the western parts of Switzerland there is a small but growing breed stock of MontbŁliarde (MO). Over the last years the proportion of AI has been constantly at about 83%. Most of the inseminations are done by the largest AI Company, Swissgenetics, for the rest there are a few smaller organisations on the AI market. We are testing around 100 young bulls yearly (65 RH, 20 SF, and 15 SI). Breeding bulls are traditionally important in the Simmental breed with about 45% natural mating.

878 Local breeder's associations 11'459 Breeding herds 1'954 Males in the herd-book 239'997 Females in the herd-book
Distribution of the breeds: Simmental 24'598 10.2 % MontbŁliarde 6'125 2.6 % Swiss Fleckvieh 57'092 23.8 % Red Holstein 125'120 52.1 % Holstein 21'689 9.0 % Other 5'373 2.2 %

Milk production

(Lactations with 270 - 305 days in milk)

Section	Number	Milk kg	Fat %	Protein %
Simmental	15'371	5'681	3.88	3.30
MontbŁliarde	3'768	7'299	3.76	3.32
Swiss Fleckvieh	41'835	6'847	3.99	3.24
Red Holstein	80'538	7'404	4.03	3.26
Holstein	13'299	7'919	3.96	3.23
Other	2'126	6'439	4.28	3.40
Total	156'937	7'115	4.00	3.26

Breed program, breeding goals

The Swiss Simmental-Fleckvieh Breeder's Federation (SFZV) enhances different breeding goals in a large spectrum from dual purpose to the specialised dairy type. Dividing the herd-book in the sections. Simmental, MontbŁliarde, Swiss Fleckvieh, Red Holstein and Holstein the different needs of the breeders can be satisfied. Today selection is focused more and more from milk yield to the milk components (protein and fat). Beside that breeders are looking for an easy handling cow. Fitness traits as longevity, somatic cell count and fertility are becoming more important for an economical milk production. Longevity is an advantage of our breeds. During the last year 173 cows reached the magic limit of over 100'000 kg lifetime production of milk. In the selection program for young AI bulls the lifetime production is an emphasis. Swiss breeders always cared for a high quality udder and a good over all conformation. In the sections Simmental, Swiss Fleckvieh and MontbŁliarde the beef production traits have also an importance.

Showing cows

In Swiss Cattle breeding a high quality conformation and good udders are important for many generations. That's why cattle shows have a long tradition in Switzerland and enthusiasm can be felt already in young breeder's events. Beside many local shows there are important regional or national expositions every year. SwissŁExpo in Lausanne, Expo Bulle (only for Red Holstein and Holstein), Tier & Technik in St. Gallen, National Swiss Fleckvieh Expo in Thun, Simmental Reinzuchtausstellung in Thun, Berner Eliteschau in Berne have been the most important events in 2007. There are also large bull markets every year thereof Thun and Bulle are the best known with about 400 breeding bulls each. Occasionally Swiss animals are shown in neighbour countries with great success. Red Holstein won the latest two European Contests 2004 in Brussels and 2006 in Oldenburg and Simmental has been presented in France.

ŁA. Bigler

ŁPictures

TATJANA (V: Alex) Swiss Fleckvieh Reserve-Champion Berner Eliteschau 2007
RITA (V: Theo) Simmental 1. Place of Category Berner Eliteschau 2007 Reserve-Champion Swiss Expo Lausanne 2008
MESANGE (V: Nello) Simmental Champion Swiss Expo Lausanne 2007 Champion Tier&Technik St.Gallen 2007
Simmental herd on pasture in St.Stephan in the Simmental (Simmen Valley)

27.07.07 abg

 

 

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