As part of experiments, as well as through national and international contacts and specialist literature, questions about all cattle fattening systems present in Austria (intensive bull fattening with silage and concentrated feed, extensive to medium-intensive calf and ox fattening, young cattle production from suckler cow farming, calf fattening) as well as suckler cow husbandry are being addressed.

 Areas of responsibility:

• Optimization of beef production systems
• Suckler cow husbandry, young cattle, calf and calf production
• Influence of feeding, breed/genetics/crossbreeding, weight and age on cattle fattening and slaughter performance
• Pasture farming of fattening animals and suckler cows
• Factors influencing the quality of fresh meat (beef, sheep, goat, pork, game)
• Fatty acid patterns in meat and milk

In addition to optimizing production processes (ration design, feed intake and feed utilization, weight development, ...), our work also focuses on slaughter performance and meat quality (marbling, tenderness, juiciness, ...). In addition, data is generated for efficiency and cost-effectiveness calculations of cattle fattening systems.
Another focus is on researching and communicating production alternatives with cattle to secure agricultural operations and preserve the cultural landscape.
Animal products from Austria are characterized by high quality. However, depending on the production system, the quality and quality characteristics of meat and milk can vary.
As part of our research projects, connections between the production system and the products produced are examined and presented in a practical manner.
The aim of our research and implementation activities is to support Austrian cattle fattening and suckler cow farming with production and quality issues, as well as with changing conditions.

Kitzer Roland, Ing.

Telephone: +43 3682-22451-278
roland.kitzer@raumberg-gumpenstein.at

Velik Margit, Dr

Telephone: +43 3682-22451-275
margit.velik@raumberg-gumpenstein.at