Fattening of dairy breed x Angus cattle in grassland – Production potential of this crossbreed
The Austrian cattle industry is striving to reduce calf exports . Besides expanding calf fattening, breeding dairy cows such as Holstein Friesian or Brown Swiss with beef cattle one option. It's important to note that while dairy calves are used in Austrian calf fattening, they are rarely, if ever, used in bull, steer, or heifer fattening. This is because dairy breeds gain weight more slowly, require more feed, and their carcasses fetch lower prices than dual-purpose breeds like Simmental or crossbreeds with beef breeds.
Mast trial at the HBLFA
An innovative approach in a fattening trial at the HBLFA . Holstein cows were bred with the very early-maturing Angus beef breed. The aim was to achieve slaughter-ready animals with exceptional meat quality under extensive conditions (pasture or barn fattening with minimal concentrated feed) and a short fattening period.
In conversation with Dr. Andreas Steinwidder Dr. Margit Velik explains how this experiment called "Meadow Cattle" was set up, what results it has and why this approach can be interesting.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Andreas Steinwidder speaks with Dr. Margit Velik about the "Wieserind" fattening trial, in which dairy cows were crossed with Angus cattle. Learn how this approach offers high-quality meat and potential for the cattle industry under extensive farming conditions. Listen now:
Image gallery for the podcast:
