In later years many Simmentals were imported through New Zealand and this, together with access to semen from North America, has expanded the gene pool.For further information, Simmental Australia at:Simmental carcases are significantly heavier and leaner than other European breeds, with little waste, and they give a higher yield of saleable meat.The breed has rapidly increased in number since the early imports and is now well established in most parts of Australia in areas as diverse as the Kimberleys and Tasmania.
Early records indicate that Simmental cattle were the result of a cross between large German cattle and a smaller breed indigenous to Switzerland. The Simmental cattle are large animals with a wide variations in coat color. Simmental Cattle Characteristics. The breed is naturally horned although breeders are producing polled Australian purebred cattle. It occupies the second place in the world after the breeds Cebuínas. It is named after the Simmental – the valley of the Simme river – in the Bernese Oberland, in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. They also can be of any single color depending on the type.
They vary in type according to the demands of the local environment and market requirements.Importation of semen into Australia commenced in April 1972 with both German and Swiss strains.
They often have red pigmentation around the eyes, and white patches on the body, especially behind the shoulders and on the flanks. The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world. Ideally the hair is soft and short.
French Simmental Cattle Characteristics.
Simmental cattle arrived in the United States in 1887 in Illinois, New Jersey in 1895 and New York and New Mexico in 1916 to 1920.The records show that these large red and white cattle were highly sought after due to their rapid growth and excellent milking and beef qualities along with their gentle nature.Around 1785 the Swiss Parliament limited the export of the cattle due to a cattle shortage and the country having to meet their own food needs.The American Simmental Association was formed in 1968.The first Cattle association, “The Swiss Red and White Spotted Simmental Cattle Association” was started in 1890. The author thanks Simmental Australia for their help in preparing this Agfact.World Simmental Federation statistics put the number of Simmental cattle worldwide at over 40 million head, making them second only to Zebu in worldwide numbers.The breed originated in the Simme Valley of Switzerland during the 18th century, and the first Herd Book was established in 1806. Although the first herd book was established in the Swiss Canton of Berne in 1806, there is evidence of large, productive red and white cattle found much earlier in ecclesiastical and secular property records of western Switzerland. There are over 70 000 registered Simmentals in addition to the thousands of Simmental-infused commercial cattle. The French Simmental cows are a French breed of cows originated in Simmental cows breed in Switzerland. The breed has since developed along specific lines throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, South Africa, the Americas and Australasia.
The ‘Fleckvieh’ breed, common in Germany, is actually a strain of Simmental. Simmental cattle’s muscularity and high milk production have long been sought after traits, allowing the breed to maintain popularity for hundreds of years. They have good temperament and high milk production.Simmentals vary from yellowish brown to straw colour to dark red, with white markings on the head, brisket, belly and legs. It is reddish in colour with white markings, and is raised for both milk and meat.