Breeds of Livestock - Simmental Cattle — Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science Breeds of Livestock - Simmental Cattle Breeds of Livestock - Simmental Cattle Simmental A History of the Simmental Breed The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world. 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. These red and white animals were highly sought because of their "rapid growth development; outstanding production of milk, butter, and cheese; and for their use as draught animals." they were known for their imposing stature and excellent dairy qualities. As early as 1785, the Swiss Parliament limited exports because of a shortage of cattle to meet their own needs. The Swiss "Red and White Spotted Simmental Cattle Association" was formed in 1890. Since its origin in Switzerland, the breed has spread to all six continents.

Total numbers are estimated between 40 and 60 million Simmental cattle world-wide. More than half of these are in Europe. The spread was gradual until the late 1960s. Records show that a few animals were exported to Italy as early as the 1400s. During the 19th century, Simmental were distributed through most of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Russia, ultimately reaching South Africa in 1895. Guatemala imported the first Simmental into the Western Hemisphere in 1897, with Brazil following suite in 1918 and Argentina in 1922. There are reports from a variety of sources indicating that Simmental cattle arrived in the United States before the turn of the century. Simmental were reported as early as 1887 in Illinois, according to one source; in 1895 in New Jersey; and in both New York and New Mexico around the 1916 to 1920 period. An ad in an 1896 issue of the Breeder's Gazette, published in Chicago, also made reference to "Simmenthal" cattle.

However, those early imports did not capture the attention of the American cattleman and the Simmental influence died quietly away until the late 1960s. The breed made its most recent appearance in North America when a Canadian, named Travers Smith, imported the famed bull "Parisien" from France in 1967. Semen was introduced into the United States that same year, with the first half-blood Simmental calf born in February of 1968. The American Simmental Association was formed in October of 1968. Simmental spread to Great Britain, Ireland, and Norway in 1970 and to Sweden and other Northern European countries shortly thereafter. The first purebred bull imported into the United States in 1971 and Australia received Simmental semen and live animals in 1972. The World Simmental Federation was formed in 1974. In 1976 Simmental cattle were shipped to the Peoples' Republic of China.

The breed is known by a variety of names, including "Fleckvieh" in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as many other European countries."Pie Rouge", "Montbeliard", and "Abondance" in France; and "Pezzata Rossa" in Italy. The Simmental name is derived from their original location, the Simme Valley of Switzerland. In German, Thal or Tal means valley, thus the name literally means "Simme Valley". The amazing growth of Simmental cattle in North America is really a reflection of what has already occurred in most agricultural countries of the world. Presently, the American Simmental Association registered about 80,000 cattle annually into the Simmental and Simbrah herdbooks. The Association ranks among the top four of the U.S. beef breed associations in annual registrations. Reference: Simmental Geographical - historical info The Swiss Simmental traces back to cattle which were originally indigenous to the Simme and Saane valleys of the canton of Bern in Switzerland. They represented one of the strains of a large group of red and pied Central European valley and mountain cattle.

Their origins are thought to be found in the large Medieval cattle which the itinerant South German Allemanic tribes brought with them to Switzerland during the 5th century. It is known that during the late Middle Ages the farmers of Emmental earned good money with dairy products. In due course the different red pied strains of Bernese-Oberland were amalgamated under the name Simmentaler Fleckvieh. Around the turn of the century the united breed societies formulated an uniform ï¿½true-typeï¿½, while the Swiss Department of Agriculture granted breeding permits for approved Fleckvieh bulls after 1891. When the first breed inventory was made in Switzerland in 1886, Simmentaler Fleckvieh, including both red pieds and (Fribourg) black pieds, numbered 619,919 head, 51% of the total cattle population. Today the Simmental, is still the most numerous breed of Switzerland, with 848,000 head kept in the Western half of the country. It now accounts for 43,7% of the total cattle population (1988). The Simmental is bred throughout Europe.

It has become a popular beef breed in Great Britain, where it is kept for beef and crossbreeding. The British Simmental numbered 15,000 females and 650 sires in 1986. In North America, where the breed was imported for the first time in 1886, the breed became really important after the late 1960s, when it became a prime beef breed, at a cost to the Hereford. Herdbook societies have also been established in Africa (in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa), in Mexico, Brazil, Argentine, Paraguay, Uruguay and in Australia. In 1974 when the global Simmental population was estimated at 40-60 million, the World Simmental Federation was established, in which societies from 19 countries are represented.

It is bred both for its virtues as a dairy/beef breed or as single-purpose beef breed, and it is also widely used to improve local herds Morphological info Simmental cows have an average milk yield of 5,500 kg at 4%fat and 3.5% protein; steers have a daily live weight gainof over one kg, carcasses dress out at a high percentage of live weight and provide fine-grained meat. Originally the Bernese-Simmental was a big, heavy boned, somewhat coarse breed with a red colour, with or without a white head. As the buyers from Germany and the Balkan countries wanted larger, dairy/work/beef animals, the Swiss selected towards such a type around the turn of the 20th century. By 1925 cows had reached an average wither height of 150 cm and bulls 165 cm. By then, however, smaller, light yellow pied coloured animals came into demand and in the period 1935-55 the height at withers decreased by 15 cm.

Subsequently the resulting small, heavy, short-legged type, was found to be a mistake, as these cows were late-maturing, gave less milk and had calving problems. It took the Simmental breeders about 20 years to get their cattle to the desired, productive dual-purpose type again. Characteristic of the Simmental are its yellowish to red pied colour with the white head, the upturned horns and the heavy dewlap. Cows of this heavy dual-purpose type stand 138-144 cm at the withers and weigh 700-900 kg and bulls stand 150-158 cm at the withers and average 1,300 kg. However, the use of Red Holstein bulls since 1967 has been so overwhelming that purebred dual-purpose type Swiss Simmental cattle have now become restricted to the high valleys. Registered as purebred Simmental since January 1994, are animals with less than 14% Red Holstein blood.

Source: Marleen Felius, Cattle breeds - an encyclopedia, Doetinchem, Netherlands : Misset, 1995 River Creek Farms - Simmental Breed History CLICK TO LEARN MORE Simmental & SimAngus Breed History The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world. 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. These red and white animals were highly sought because of their "rapid growth development; outstanding production of milk, butter, and cheese; and for their use as draught animals." they were known for their imposing stature and excellent dairy qualities. As early as 1785, the Swiss Parliament limited exports because of a shortage of cattle to meet their own needs. The Swiss "Red and White Spotted Simmental Cattle Association" was formed in 1890. Since its origin in Switzerland, the breed has spread to all six continents. Total numbers are estimated between 40 and 60 million Simmental cattle world-wide.

More than half of these are in Europe. The spread was gradual until the late 1960s. Records show that a few animals were exported to Italy as early as the 1400s. During the 19th century, Simmental were distributed through most of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Russia, ultimately reaching South Africa in 1895. Guatemala imported the first Simmental into the Western Hemisphere in 1897, with Brazil following suite in 1918 and Argentina in 1922. There are reports from a variety of sources indicating that Simmental cattle arrived in the United States before the turn of the century. Simmental were reported as early as 1887 in Illinois, according to one source; in 1895 in New Jersey; and in both New York and New Mexico around the 1916 to 1920 period. An ad in an 1896 issue of the Breeder's Gazette, published in Chicago, also made reference to "Simmenthal" cattle.

However, those early imports did not capture the attention of the American cattleman and the Simmental influence died quietly away until the late 1960s. The breed made its most recent appearance in North America when a Canadian, named Travers Smith, imported the famed bull "Parisien" from France in 1967. Semen was introduced into the United States that same year, with the first half-blood Simmental calf born in February of 1968. The American Simmental Association was formed in October of 1968. Simmental spread to Great Britain, Ireland, and Norway in 1970 and to Sweden and other Northern European countries shortly thereafter. The first purebred bull imported into the United States in 1971 and Australia received Simmental semen and live animals in 1972. The World Simmental Federation was formed in 1974. In 1976 Simmental cattle were shipped to the Peoples' Republic of China. The amazing growth of Simmental cattle in North America is really a reflection of what has already occurred in most agricultural countries of the world.

Presently, the American Simmental Association registered about 80,000 cattle annually into the Simmental and Simbrah herdbooks. The Association ranks among the top four of the U.S. beef breed associations in annual registrations. Source: American Simmental Association Simmental Simmental The ASA has a new mailing address: One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718 SimGenetcs Simmental The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world. Although the first official herdbook was established in the Swiss Canton of Berne in 1806, there is evidence of large, productive "red and white" cattle being found much earlier in ecclesiastical and secular property records of Western Switzerland. Those red and white animals were highly sought because of their "rapid growth development; outstanding production of milk, butter and cheese; and for their use as draught (draft) animals." They were known for their gentle nature, impressive stature and excellent dairy qualities. As early as 1785, the Swiss Parliament limited exports because of a shortage of cattle to meet their own needs.

The Swiss "Red and White Spotted Simmental Cattle Association" was formed in 1890. Since its origin in Switzerland, the breed has spread to all six continents. Total numbers are estimated between 40 and 60 million Simmental cattle worldwide, with more than half in Europe. The worldwide spread was gradual until the late 1960s. Records show that a few animals were exported to Italy as early as the 1400s. During the 19th century, Simmental were distributed through most of Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Russia, ultimately reaching South Africa in 1895. Guatemala imported the first Simmental cattle into the Western Hemisphere in 1897, with Brazil following in 1918 and Argentina in 1922. There are unsubstantiated reports from a variety of sources indicating Simmental cattle arrived in the United States before the turn of the century. Simmental were reported as early as 1887 in Illinois, according to one source; in 1895 in New Jersey; and in New York and New Mexico around the 1916-1920 period.

An ad in an 1896 issue of the Breeder's Gazette, published in Chicago, also made reference to "Simmenthal" cattle. Apparently, those early imports did not capture the imagination of the American cattleman and the Simmental influence died quietly away until they were reintroduced in the late 1960s. The breed made its most recent appearance in North America when a Canadian, Travers Smith, imported the famed bull "Parisien" from France in 1967. Semen was introduced into the United States that same year, with the first half-blood Simmental calf born at Geyser, MT, in February, 1968. The American Simmental Association was formed in October, 1968. Simmental spread to Britain, Ireland and Norway in 1970 and to Sweden and other Northern European countries shortly thereafter. The first purebred bull was imported into the United States in 1971 and Australia received Simmental semen and live animals in 1972. The World Simmental Federation (WSF) was formed in Zagreb, Yugoslavia in 1974.

In 1976, Simmental cattle were shipped to the Republic of China. The purpose of the WSF was to unify Simmental breeders around the world and provide them with a vehicle through which they could exchange research and information and increase the influence and importance of the Simmental breed. Selection in Europe was initially for three features . . . milk, meat and as draft animals. The demand for working animals is greatly reduced today but muscularity and high milk production are still important to the success of Simmental. The breed is known by a variety of names, including "Fleckvieh" in Germany; "Pie Rouge", "Montbeliarde", and "Abondance" in France; and "Pezzata Rosa" in Italy. The Simmental name is derived from their original location, the Simme Valley of Switzerland. In German, Thal or Tal means valley, thus the name literally means "Simme Valley". Simmental have a number of important attributes. They are widely distributed throughout the world, implying adaptability to varied environments and management practices. They have continued to thrive over hundreds of years, implying utility, functional efficiency and productivity; and they are second in numbers, only to Brahman, among all breeds worldwide.

The American Simmental Association (ASA) was founded by a contingent of breeders who came from other breed backgrounds and shared a common goal of establishing a breed base on sound, performance principles. Thus, in its 30+ years of existence, ASA has often been in the forefront of beef industry innovation and progress. In 1971, ASA published the first beef breed sire summary, and since that time has: 1) initiated a cow recognition program; 2) developed Simbrah, a heat tolerant, insect-resistant breed combining the genetics of Simmental and Brahman; 3) developed the first multi-breed EPDs ; 4) been a leader in incorporating performance data into the show ring; and, 5) more recently, established the industry standard for proving carcass merit. Most other breeds have followed the leadership of ASA. The growth of Simmental cattle in North America is really a reflection of what has already occurred in most agricultural countries of the world. It appears certain that Simmental will continue to play an important role in the future of the American beef producer. Why American Simmental? Emphasis Upon Beef Production Only in the United States are Simmental measured and selected totally for efficient, economical production of quality beef.

Unlike most of the European performance programs involving Simmental cattle where emphasis is on the measurement of milk production, ASA has developed performance programs that focus on meat production. As a result of performance programs, the ASA was the first breed association to publish a sire summary. The American Simmental resulting from this effort meets today's demand for a beef animal that can thrive under a variety of conditions. They have bred-in ability to adapt to hot and cold temperatures, to dry or humid climates, to range conditions or confinement rearing. Breeder Selectivity Changing the genetic composition of any breed has traditionally been a slow and painstaking process. Often times this has been further hindered by restrictive policies or practices that were unrelated to the goal of profitable beef production. The American Simmental Association has been innovative and flexible in allowing for breeder selectivity in all programs. Furthermore, no color restrictions are imposed. Performance has always been given far greater emphasis than color or other superficial attributes. A Blend Of The Best - The American Simmental America has been known as the melting pot of nationalities. The same concept is true for the Simmental breed. European countries have specialized in the development of particular strains and traits of Simmental.

A great deal of pride is associated with the product that has been developed by each country, and, in some cases, by specific herdbooks within countries. Only in America has there been an opportunity for an expansive within breed blending or melting-pot effect to take place. The result has been greater performance and productivity because only the best cattle coming from the various countries are utilized in the composition of the superior American Simmental. The resulting product is capable of expressing the superior traits from all European strains, providing for even greater flexibility and opportunities for innovative and creative cattle breeders. American Simmental Have Evolved From a Wide Genetic Base Only a small proportion of any generation is truly genetically superior. The larger the population base, the greater the potential for selection of superior individuals. Through innovative programs, such as performance testing, carcass evaluation, total herd enrollment and a nationwide sire summary evaluation, the opportunity to select for improvement of economically important traits is enhanced ever more. Simmental Cattle Simmental Cattle Cattle.com > Cattle Articles > Breeds of Cattle > Beef Cattle Breeds > Simmental Cattle Variability is a lesson that could be well taught by the Simmental.

An ancient breed, the ability to adapt to its environment has allowed them to become influential in cattle markets across the world. Simmentals were developed at a time that cattle were multipurpose creatures, not only were they raised for their meat but also for their heavy milking ability and even draft uses. The fact that they were so extensively used made it necessary to highlight docility amongst planned crosses. Most of these traits, some now enhanced, continue in the modern Simmental. The Simmental traces its origins to the Simme in Switzerland . Impressive in size, Simmentals had an early worldwide distribution, some areas having more success in their production than others. Simmentals are known by distinct names, all having regional breeding focuses. The Pie Rouge of France has an emphasis placed on beef production; their cattle are thick with heavier musculature. The Montbeliarde was bred to continue the heavy milking potential of the Simmentals. Many consider these to be the second heaviest milking strain, surpassed only by the Holstein . The Abondance is more moderate in size; it has a smaller frame and relative to the other varieties, is lighter boned.

The popular Austro-German Fleckviehs have superior fleshing abilities and are easy calvers. The Swiss Simmentals continue to be large framed with generously proportioned muscles. The Italian countryside has seen its own Simmentals, referred to as Peseta Rosaâ€”which translated means rose-colored coins, a likely tribute to the marketability of the Simmental. Simmentals were introduced very early into the United States . Their earliest recorded presence was in Illinois during 1887. A transitional time in the country, the Simmental had little success until its reintroduction in the 1960s. The first purebred calf was born in 1968, out of a breeding using imported semen. In 1974, the World Simmental Federation was formed. Its main goals were to unify breeders by providing a base for information and research exchange, and to increase the influence and importance of the breed. The American Simmental Association came together in order to further the advancement of the breed within the United States . Its members though diverse in their backgrounds coincided in their progressive approach. The ASA has open AI breedings, a cow recognition program and within herd comparisons.

It was the first breed association with a sire summary. Performance data for the Simmental has also translated directly in the show ring. Though unmistakable similarities exist within Simmentals of every region, the American Simmental has focused primarily to highlight the breeds beef qualities. They are rugged animals of substantial bone. Ultimately large in size, it may come as a surprise that Simmentals are exceptionally easy calvers. Though they have low birth weights, they have fast growth rates. Cows are excellent mothers and have very long production cycles. Cows and bulls reach sexual maturity early, in contrast to other Continental breeds that may take longer to develop. Though their milking abilities have not been selected for, the Simmental continues to be an above average milker. Their economic benefits to beef breeders are almost unsurpassed by any other breed. They are of renowned docility, and have excellent weight gaining abilities. The carcass yield is very good, with meat grading high. Simmental beef is tender and highly palatable. The upgrading program in America has introduced a wide range of colors to the breed. The original coloration for Simmentals was red and white or gold and white. All colors and all color patterns are accepted within the American Simmental Association.

A gene for polledness has also been established within the breed, most likely coming from Angus crosses. There is so much variety within the breed that ranchers may select those animals better suited to their particular environments. They are such an adaptable breed however, that a universal standard is difficult to quantify. The risk of a lessened genetic pool is minimal for Simmental breeders. A very popular cross is the SimAngus; the resulting offspring combine the best of the English and Continental breed traits. Performance numbers, fertility rates, yield grades and marbling have made these cattle highly marketable. The Simbrah, a cross between Simmental and Brahman is also flourishing in regions that cannot support extensive grazing. The Brahman influence in the cattle makes them hardy and more resistant to the climate and flora of southern regions in the US . Simmental cattle are a wealth amongst beef breeds. Their traits are exceedingly heritable and the data for prediction of offspring qualities is very reliable. The naturally lean beef, its tenderness and high yield is an asset for feedlots. As more breeds continue the search for heterosis, the Simmental is likely to be a superb complimentarity option.

It is their docility and variability which will keep the Simmental a powerful presence amongst the beef industry. Breeds - Simmental Our Shop Simmental Simmental is a breed of cattle whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Early records indicate that Simmental cattle were the result of a cross between large German cattle and a smaller breed indigenous to Switzerland. The name Simmental is derived from the name of the area where the cattle were first bred - the Simme Valley, which is situated in the Berner Oberland in Switzerland. Technically, the Simmental designation includes several breeds in Europe. The name is given specifically to the breed in Switzerland, while in Germany and Austria it is known as Fleckvieh, and in France as Pie Rouge. The Pie Rouge includes three separate herd book registries namely Abondance, Montbeliard and Pie Rouge de l'Est. more... Latest Simmental Breed News Simmental NZ :: History Animal Enquiries EBV Enquiries Member Enquiries Sale Catalogues Australian Simmental Member Login A History of the Simmental Breed The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world.

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. photo courtesy of Beate Milerski These red and white animals were highly sought because of their "rapid growth development; outstanding production of milk, butter, and cheese; and for their use as draught animals." they were known for their imposing stature and excellent dairy qualities. As early as 1785, the Swiss Parliament limited exports because of a shortage of cattle to meet their own needs. The Swiss "Red and White Spotted Simmental Cattle Association" was formed in 1890. Since its origin in Switzerland, the breed has spread to all six continents. Total numbers are estimated between 40 and 60 million Simmental cattle world-wide. More than half of these are in Europe. The spread was gradual until the late 1960s. Records show that a few animals were exported to Italy as early as the 1400s.

During the 19th century, Simmental was distributed through most of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Russia, ultimately reaching South Africa in 1895. Guatemala imported the first Simmental into the Western Hemisphere in 1897, with Brazil following suite in 1918 and Argentina in 1922. There are reports from a variety of sources indicating that Simmental cattle arrived in the United States before the turn of the century. Simmental were reported as early as 1887 in Illinois, according to one source; in 1895 in New Jersey; and in both New York and New Mexico around the 1916 to 1920 period. However, those early imports did not capture the attention of the American cattleman and the Simmental influence died quietly away until the late 1960s. The breed made its most recent appearance in North America when a Canadian, named Travers Smith, imported the famed bull "Parisien" from France in 1967. Semen was introduced into the United States that same year, with the first half-blood Simmental calf born in February of 1968.

The American Simmental Association was formed in October of 1968. Simmental spread to Great Britain, Ireland, and Norway in 1970 and to Sweden and other Northern European countries shortly thereafter. The first purebred bull imported into the United States in 1971 and Australia received Simmental semen and live animals in 1972 from NZ the World Simmental Federation was formed in 1974. In 1976 Simmental cattle were shipped to the Peoples' Republic of China. The breed is known by a variety of names, including "Fleckvieh" in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as many other European countries."Pie Rouge", "Montbeliard", and "Abondance" in France; and "Pezzata Rossa" in Italy. The Simmental name is derived from their original location, the Simme Valley of Switzerland. In German, Thal or Tal means valley, thus the name literally means "Simme Valley". CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BREED COLOUR: There is no characteristic colour that clearly defines the Simmental Breed. In the main they vary from pale gold to dark red and white bodies with a white head.

However now, particularly in America, there are straight black or straight red colours with no white at all. In NZ we have them all. BODY: In general Simmental have large frames with good muscling, can be horned or polled and one distinguishing feature is a heavy dewlap. Their weight can vary but cows can weigh around the 700 -900 kgs and bulls 1300kgs. Simmentals are bred all over the world for their high beef yields. The heavy muscling, length and overall size and weight of the animal are combined to produce a well fleshed carcass of solid red meat with white fat and excellent marbling. They are ideally suited to meet the requirements and demands of the modern processor and consumer. USE: Generations of selective and performance breeding with objective of maximising milk and beef have produced an animal which is exceptionally versatile. It is used in many parts of the world either as a purebred or a crossbred in the Dairy industry. In other countries it is used either as a terminal breed(All the progeny are slaughtered) or as a maternal breed (the heifer progeny are retained in the herd) in the beef industry.

In NZ it is mainly used as a terminal breed but increasingly farmers are recognising its qualities as a beef cow particularly as a cross over the British breeds (Angus and Hereford). Simmental injects extra growth, milk and yield resulting in heavier weaners and carcass weights in their progeny. THE NEW ZEALAND SIMMENTAL The NZ Beef industry is part of our Nations wealth contributing significantly to our economy. The beef industry is NZ’s second largest Export earner. In June 2007 there were 4.4 million beef cattle of which 1.2 million were Beef Breeding cows and heifers. Few farmers devote themselves exclusively to beef production. In general the raising and finishing of beef cattle is carried out in conjunction with sheep farming – in many instances the “Beef Cow” is used for maintaining the quality of pasture for sheep production. In addition beef is produced from the dairy industry. New Zealand is a world leader in farming and achieves this without the assistance in any form from the NZ Government. With our natural and nutritious pastures, environment free of pollution and major diseases there is no better place in the world to raise premium quality, natural grass fed beef. Simmental is a major player in this.

NZ HISTORY In 1970 Don Graham (an auctioneer and stock agent) on behalf of a syndicate Dick Kerr, David Baker, Derrick Orbell and Rodney Cox went to Scotland and purchased the first Simmentals for NZ. In the early 1970’s NZ could only import live cattle from the UK and at this time German Simmental heifers were arriving in Scotland and England for the first time. They were purchased before they were conceived off James Jeffery from Kelso in Scotland for 1250 guineas and eventually two arrived in 1972 called Kersknowe “Atom”(a bull ) and “Alice” (a heifer). Needless to say Atom met Alice and Alice dually produced Alpha 1. Six months after giving birth Alice died of bloat (Damn, such is farming!!) but her heifer calf went on to sell for $47,500 – a world record. In 1971 Don went back to the UK and purchased more purebred cattle and arranged the purchase of 10,000 straws for the NZ market.

By this time Simmental cattle were in big demand and while (for quarantine reasons), New Zealand could only purchase progeny born and semen produced in the UK, Australia could only purchase from NZ, thus resulting in plane loads of Aussies rushing to be the first to import Simmental blood. In 1973 a small shipment of Purebred females were directly imported from France and in 1974 thirty six purebred females were directly imported from Germany and shared equally between the Simmental Society and the NZ government (Then Lands and Survey but now called Landcorp). Competition for these 18 cattle was intense and demand far exceeded the demand. The heifers were balloted and purchased at 9 months of age while in quarantine for around $10,000 each. As there were very few purebreds in the country the demand was for first cross bulls and heifers. In the next few years it was like a mini “gold rush” and NZ experienced the fastest growth rate of any breed in history. Many early purchasers were city and overseas investors including Americans, out to make a quick buck.

The first Simmental Sale (4th May 1974) in Australasia was held on the Levels Property of Rodney Cox with world record prices being made. Simmental mated Hereford cows $1400 (originally purchased for $350), matedF1 heifers to $5000 (world record with most exported to Australia) and of course “Alpha 1” $47,500. There followed some bulk imports of frozen embryos one from Germany and one from Canada. In 1972 the NZ Simmental Cattle Breeders Society (an incorporated society) was formed with Dick Kerr as its first Chairman and Max Studholme as the secretary. In 1974 Ian Johnson became the first full time secretary. Such was the popularity of the breed that the society employed 5 full time staff with one doing nothing other than document exports to Australia. In those days everything was manual and Ian Johnson remembers signing over 4000 half bred registration certificates in the first year of registrations. As the demand began to level out the speculators began to drop out.

Many of the cattle in Europe are housed and so a lot of genetics that came into the country in the early days were unsuited to NZ grass fed conditions. However as the years progressed so did the cattle with the serious breeders performance recording and selecting cattle that performed under our conditions. Currently, we have 58 herds. All are performance and pedigree recorded under “Group Breedplan” with the Animal breeding recording Institute (ABRI) at Armidale in Australia. There are a total of 4480 cows whose progeny are used throughout the country contributing significantly to NZ’s Beef industry and the National economy. Simmental Cattle Breeders Society of New Zealand (Inc.) 75 South Street, Feilding, New Zealand Phone: 64 6 323 4484 | Fax: 64 6 323 3878 Texas Simmental and Simbrah Association The Simmental breed is one of the oldest and most widely distributed breeds of cattle in the world. The original herdbook for registrations was established in Switzerland in 1893, and the breed now makes up over half the population of cattle in that country.

Simmental is second only to the Brahman bred in terms of world-wide numbers with total purebred registrations now exceeding 40 million head. Originally developed as a duel-purpose breed, Simmental were used for both milk and meat production in the European countries. American cattlemen, searching for faster-growing and more efficient cattle, began to import Simmental in the late 1960’s. As they infused these new genetics into their herds they found that, not only did they increase weaning weights by 50 to 75 pounds, but they also improved feedlot gains and efficiency. The females that were retained in the herd were early maturing, highly fertile and gave ample milk to raise a heavy weaning calf. These positive attributes have made the Simmental breed one of the fastest growing and most significant breeds in American beef cattle production. Ongoing university research continues to prove that Simmental-sired cattle produce carcasses that hit the production target for cutability more often than any other breed, and they are very acceptable in hitting the quality target as well.

American Simmental breeds, using performance criteria and physical evaluations, have produced a trend in the breed of moderating calving ease, increasing weaning and yearling performance, while maintaining milk production and superior carcass traits. At the same time frame size has been moderated in response to the demands of today’s beef cattle industry. The American Simmental Association’s Sire Summary helps breeders make rapid genetic progress by identifying superior, highly proven sires in the breed. The Simmental breed has a diversity of color patterns that breeders have developed as a result of their environmental and marketing conditions. The breed, historically known for its straw-colored or red and white hair coats, now has purebred strains that are red and black-baldies, solid reds and blacks, as well as the traditional colors. The initial development of the Simbrah breed occurred in the southern part of the United States and to a large degree in South Texas. It was there that cattlemen could see the benefits of combining the two most populous breeds in the world, Brahman and Simmental, into one breed. Today, the popularity of Simbrah cattle extends far beyond the Gulf Coast region, andas a result it has become known as “The World’s Breed”.

And rightfully so, as the breed does in fact produce “the best of both worlds”. The genetically divergent backgrounds of the twoparent breeds enhances the strengths of each in the resulting product - Simbrah. The Brahman influence adds disease and parasite resistance, adaptability and longevity; while the Simmental contributes its strengths which include rapid and efficient growth, carcass quality, fertility and milk production. All these positive production traits are wrapped up in one package that is made up of 5/8 Simmental and 3/8 Brahman. The Simbrah herdbook is maintained by the American Simmental Association and thus breeders have one of the most state-of-the-art sire summaries in the industry available to assist them in making their breeding decisions. The Simbrah breed is one of the most popular of the Brahman-influenced, or American breeds, with more than 10,000 head being registered annually.

Question: Simmenthal cattle were originally bred in which country?
Answer: SWITZERLAND