The most diverse branch auf Austrian cattle breeding

Beef cattle breeding is the most diverse branch of Austrian cattle breeding. The spectrum of Austrian beef cattle breeding ranges from intensive beef cattle breeds to domestic genetic  conservation breeds and robust breeds for extensive farming. Beef cattle are used both in suckler cow herds and for utility crossbreeding on dairy farms. Beef cattle are one of the key  pillars for nature-friendly, climate-friendly, efficient beef production.

The Facts

In Austria, 157,000 suckler cows are kept on 24,000 farms. About 10% of suckler cow farms are involved in herdbook breeding. Breeding regimens are in place for 24 breeds, which  are also subject to beef recording tests. These breeds include special beef cattle breeds originating from other countries as well as domestic dual-purpose and genetic conservation breeds. Suckler cow farms operate under the slogan ‘meat from grass’. Thanks to the high proportion of managed permanent grassland, these farms and their suckler cows actively
contribute to climate protection. In this way, beef is produced from grass, animal welfare is ensured, and CO2 is stored in the soil. What makes our beef cattle and
genetic conservation breeds stand out:

• the right breed for all forms of production
  in suckler cow farming
• perfectly suited to utility crossbreeding
• with dairy cattle
• calm, good-natured character
• ideal maternal characteristics
• healthy calves
• good fitness properties
• good basic forage conversion
• high weight gain performance
• high carcass yields
• superior meat quality

24 breeds

In Austria, there are currently managed breeding programmes for 24 breeds of cattle. These stipulate that various beef production traits are recorded as performance characteristics in live cattle. 25,700 herdbook cows are kept in more than 4,000 breeding herds.
Austrian farmers keep about 1.86 million cattle in total, of which 157,000 are suckler cows. The national cattle database contains records of all animals, including their principal breeds. This database shows not only the number of breeding animals and herdbook cows for each breed, but also the total number of animals according to their registered principal breed.