The spotted German cattle or Fleckvieh Cattle has emerged from local geographic breeds. They have been systematically bred using imported Swiss bulls. Imports began in the eighteenth century. This breed is today the most important in southern Germany. Where it represents 80 percent, approximately, of the cattle population and in fact, it is the most numerous in the whole country.
The Fleckvieh is a breed of farm animals that were developed in the 19th century from cross-breeding on Central European stock with imported cattle. Today, there are 41 million worldwide and they’re mostly used for milk production or as dual-purpose livestock which produces both meat and milk.
Characteristics of Fleckvieh Cattle
The Fleckvieh cattle are ornithoid animals, hypermetric, long and strong constitution, robust and important muscular conformation. The coat is stained in color, with the varied expression of the spotting and intensity of the color. From light yellow to brownish reddish. The white predominates in the head, allowing pigment spots generally in the periphery of the eyes.
The pigmentation continues in the lower part of the trunk, distal parts of the extremities and tails of the tail. Nowadays, animals without horns predominate genetically. If they exist, they have a uniform creamy hue, just like the hooves. The mucous membranes have depigmentation. The breeders have a long productive life.
The multitude of specimens registered in the Stud Book, easily reach 12-14 years and provide the order of 10-12 births per cow. Of here to emphasize the optimal fertility and it pregnancy what it allows together with its facility of childbirths and good maternal instinct, to assure a young every year.
The cows of mixed aptitude have average productions of 7000-8000 liters of milk per lactation. The heifers stop for the first time at 24-30 months of age and remain in milk production for about 5 lactations. Also, the weight of calves at birth is 40 kg on average for males and 38 kg for females. There is no predetermined breeding season. The males are used from an age of one year to 3 years. And the select animals can be kept in service even for 10 years.
Usage
Fleckvieh Cattle this breed was raised at first and in certain areas is still raised, as triple fitness. But with the emergence of the tractor and the growing demand for milk. The potential for pulling force is being sacrificed in favor of greater milk capacity. The quality of its meat is very appreciated by the butchers and consumers.
They appreciate it for its organoleptic characteristics of color, tenderness, and juiciness typical of meats with a soft infiltration of fat between the muscle fibers. The milk of the flecked breed for its high content of fat and protein offers a high yield in cheese making. You may also like to read Limousin Cattle.
Food
The breeding and exploitation of the breed are developing under two well-differentiated production systems. One aimed at the joint production of milk and calves, and another aimed at the exclusive production of calves. Irrespective of the intensive farms oriented towards milk production. The breed has been raised in systems of mix exploitation, stabling and use of pastures.
The diet varies considerably according to the agricultural development and the economy of the different regions. In intensive areas, fodder crops from farmland are widely used. In the summer it is fed with segmented grasses, clovers and alfalfa and specially cultivated fodder. You may also like to read Dexter Cattle.
And in winter with hay, silage, fodder beet and products derived from cereals or concentrated feed imports. In the poorest agricultural areas, straw constitutes almost half of the total ratio along with beets and hay. In the grassland areas, the animals remain in the summer meadows for five months. And when they are taking to the winter coats they receive hay and silage of grasses.
Special Features
The calves of the Fleckvieh Cattle breed are sold before the month of life, being very quoted for the rearing and subsequent bait. The cows and once their productive life concludes they contribute to the exploitation of an important source of resources for the butcher value of their channels. Also, the cows of meat aptitude, consider nurses par excellence raising calves. Which stands out for its rapid growth with daily average gains that oscillate 1,500 grams.
And the channels of good muscular conformation with performances superior to 60%. Among the multitude of attributes presented is it is great rusticity. As well as the ability to adapt to different habitats and weather conditions. The breed has adapted to a wide variety of climatic conditions. From the warm summers of the low areas to the cold winters typical of the higher lands. This breed is especially indicated for the use of mountain areas, semi-desert, marshy lands, etc.
Singularly the females of the race fleckvieh cattle of mixed aptitude oriented to milk production have the lower incidence of problems. Problems related to the promos and legs because they are physically stronger and more robust animals. Also, lower incidence of pathological processes of the mastitis type. Since in their productions milk has a lower number of somatic cells than other specialized dairy breeds. You may also like to read Simmental Cattle.
FAQ
What is the difference between Fleckvieh and Simmental?
Fleckvieh and Simmental are two distinct cattle breeds that have been bred for different purposes. Both originated in Switzerland, but the Fleckvieh is believed to date back much further than the Simmental. The primary differences between them lies in their size, frame shape, coloration, milk production and maternal traits.
What breeds make a Fleckvieh?
Fleckvieh is the name of a breed of cattle originating in Germany. These medium to large sized animals are famous for their milk production, as well as their hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. Fleckvieh are a cross between Simmental and Danish Red cows, two ancestral breeds that share similar characteristics such as solid hooves and increased milk production.
Is Fleckvieh a beef breed?
Yes, Fleckvieh is indeed a breed of beef cattle that originated in Bavaria, Germany. They have been specifically bred to produce high-quality meat with excellent taste and exterior qualities.
Conclusion
The Fleckvieh Cattle breed is today the most important in southern Germany. Where it represents 80 percent, approximately, of the cattle population and in fact, it is the most numerous in the whole country. Fleckvieh Cattle has emerged from local geographic breeds with systematic breeding using imported Swiss bulls which began back during the eighteenth century. One can hope this guide has helped you understand more about what these spotted German cattle are all about! Good luck to your future endeavors as a farmer or rancher!
As a reference: Wikipedia
