Australian Pinzgauer Cattle
History
About 500 AD, herdsmen who ran their cattle on small, widely scattered, rocky pastures had begun to develop a breed of red and white cattle from the native red Bavarian cattle.
These early cattlemen selected animals that could withstand harsh conditions and still produce meat and milk. Later in history, Pinzgauer attained their present form and colour.
Crossbreeding
With the ultimate purpose of beef production, the Pinzgauer is viable as purebred or crossbred in the paddock.
Stock owners today are looking for increased production without adding excessive size and feed costs. Pinzgauers cross well with any other breed, maintaining their characteristic markings and traits.
Crossbred calves show a high degree of hybrid vigor, resulting in higher survival rate and better daily weight gains.
Fertility
The most important factor in any breeding program. The Pinzgauer bull is a fertile, virile and ready worker over a long productive life. His mature weight reaches around 800 to 1000 kilograms. The docile nature of the breed makes it possible to keep older bulls without temperament problems getting out of hand.
The Pinzgauer female reaches puberty at between 305 and 340 days. This ensures that heifers will be cycling regularly when breeding season arrives.
Mature females weigh from 600 to 720 kilograms. Pinzgauer females have strong mothering instinct and display a high degree of femininity. High milk production and calving ease make Pinzgauer an efficient addition to any herd. Important traits for vealer mothers.
Adaptability
Pinzgauers adapt readily and easily to a variety of climates and environments. Eighty years of Pinzgauer breeding in South Africa have proven superior performance under arid conditions. Hard dark hooves and strong leg bone formation give Pinzgauer excellent ranging ability. Pigmented skin, especially around the head, protects eyes from ultraviolet rays, thus making eye disease virtually nonexistent. Smooth hair and flexible skin reduce tick and other infestations.
Contacts
For further information please contact:
Society President - Julia Roso
Phone: 0414 572 289
Phone: 0418 515 081
Society Secretary - Anne RyanPhone: 02 42 323333
Society Treasurer - John MurdicaPhone: 03 5655 2794
Links
Australian Pinzgauer Cattle Breeder's Association - www.pinzgauer.org.au