Those farmers who have remained loyal to suckler cow farming operate this branch of business as a sideline and very often as part of organic farming. They were and are forced to optimize their operations. The existing resources such as area equipment, feed base and quality as well as marketing opportunities must be specifically provided with the best management. Since almost two thirds of the annual direct benefits come from the sale of the calf, it must be possible to sell one calf per cow per year - usually through established organic young cattle programs that enable better sales revenue.
In order for this to be successful, the mother cow itself plays a crucial role - in addition to the feed base and the genetics of the father animal. It should trouble-free , long-lasting and have good functional characteristics (udder, hoof health, calving ease, maternal instinct, etc.). In addition to a sufficiently good milk production, it should not be particularly large or heavy, because the cow's maintenance needs reduce area productivity and thus also economic efficiency. Targeted crosses between dairy and meat breeds could represent a useful and also economically attractive alternative to purebred suckler cows. Due to the heterosis effect, the performance and vitality or fitness of mixed breeds or hybrids is higher than that of pure-blooded ancestors.
In a long-term research project with suckler cows at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, the suitability of cross-bred cows as suckler cows examined. In view of the results, the use of F1 working crossbred dairy breed (HF or possibly also BS) x Angus animals as suckler cows seems to be a sensible alternative to purebred suckler cows from dairy farming. In addition to good character and maternal instinct, excellent fertility values, satisfactory milk production and a significantly lower live weight than FV or FVxAA animals, their offspring had good fattening and slaughter performance and very good meat quality. In addition, the HFxAA mother cows and their calves required the least amount of feed area and showed the highest area productivity.
With the help of collaborations between dairy and suckler cow farmers, suitable and inexpensive cross-breed animals could be obtained for suckler cow farming and these collaborations could also have a positive impact on the economic situation of both cooperation partners.
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