Originally, the Pinzgauer cattle were part of the European high-altitude livestock breeds and are dual-purpose animals bred specifically for dairy and meat production. This robust, medium-frame and efficient variety evolved from the red-spotted Bavarian cattle and the strong-boned, single-colored Slavic cattle.

Origin

The Pinzgauer with its chestnut base color and its typical white streak on the back, the flanks and the belly as well as on the thighs and calves derives its name from "Pinzgau", a district located in the federal state of Salzburg.

This typical color is a dominant hereditary feature and still characteristic of the Pinzgauer breed. Special rarities are the black-white types and the genetically hornless variant, also known as "Jochberger Hummeln". The beginnings of selection with respect to particular breed characteristics probably date back to the end of the 18th century. One considerable success of that breeding period was the presentation of these animals at the world fair in Paris in 1871. The Pinzgauer breed is the only breed indigenous (autochthonous) to Austria that has gained fame the world over.

Occurrence

As early as 1820, the first animals of this breed were exported to what is now Romania, Yugoslavia as well as the Czech and Slovak Republics, where, to this day, existing breeding areas are being developed further. Currently, there are about one million of these animals in 25 different countries (including 8 European countries) on four continents. Historically, the breeding areas in Austria, Bavaria, and South Tyrol (Alto-Adige) all belonged to the "primary breeding area". About 90% of the world's stock is found outside of Austria.

Characteristics

The regions where Pinzgauer cattle originated are characterized by small farms and difficult production conditions. Before the advent of machinery and the development of these mountainous regions, farmers needed hardy and resilient cattle that could travel great distances. These extensive forms of livestock farming in the alpine and mountainous regions of the primary breeding area resulted in a natural selection of animals that were highly adaptable to the harsh surroundings. Pinzgauer cattle, which had been exported to South Africa at the turn of the century and, later, to the US, Canada and Australia, were shown to withstand even the harshest environmental conditions, which is true of both purebred and crossbred animals. Their sturdy hooves and good leg build account for their excellent ability to travel across long distances and difficult terrain.

The animal's russet coat protects from ultraviolet rays, which are quite strong in the mountains and tropics as well as in expansive snowfields. Outside the primary breeding area, Pinzgauer cattle are used almost exclusively to suckle and as beef cattle. Scientific studies carried out by Prof. Franz Pirchner at the Technical University of Munich attest to the superior quality of Pinzgauer beef - on the basis of both subjective and objective quality criteria. Its marbling, succulence, flavor, and negligible grill losses as well as its fine-fibred quality are among the strong points of Pinzgauer beef. The Pinzgauer cattle, due to their high basic-feed consumption efficiency, are particularly useful in grassland areas; they are also considered ideal "organic cattle" because of their willingness to work, resilience, and longevity.

Today's Breeding Target in the Primary Breeding Area of Austria

The focus is on breeding an efficient, medium to large-frame dual-purpose Pinzgauer. As for milk yields, adult cows, from their third lactation onward and provided there is ample supply of nutrients, are expected to achieve an average lactation yield of 6,000 kilograms of milk, with 4% fat and 3.5% protein. Beef performance is the second most important breeding target. With respect to fattened bulls, subject to good muscling, the plan is to achieve a daily gain of 1,300 grams with an approximate slaughter yield of 58%. The current excellent meat quality is to be maintained. For the purposes of improving efficiency even further, greater attention will have to be paid to the increased intake of own feed, regular fertility, fast growth, and adaptability. As for selection, special care must be taken to ensure correct, firm limbs with sturdy hooves as well as well-shaped teats with a firm udder suspension that are easy to milk.

Pinzgauer Cattle Outside the Primary Breeding Area

On a global scale, Pinzgauer cattle may be classified as beef cattle. Outside of Europe, and for decades, they have been selected for their meat since they were first exported. A good milk yield ensures high gains of weight in calves. Successful showings at international exhibitions attest to the competitiveness of Pinzgauer cattle among other beef cattle. At the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, a group of Pinzgauer cattle was awarded first prize - out of 18 different varieties of beef cattle. Breeders all over the world appreciate the meat volume of the purebred Pinzgauer cattle, their resilience, fertility, well-developed mother instinct as well as their peacefulness and longevity. The genetically hornless "Haller line" is particularly popular. The distinct and unique coat of the Pinzgauer cattle, with their pigmented eyes, provides perfect protection against UV radiation in extreme climates. Breeders pay special attention to absolute purity of breeding. Animals with foreign blood are rejected, except for crossbred utility livestock.

Summary

By way of conclusion, it can be said that the positive characteristics of Pinzgauer cattle become particularly manifest in the keeping of mother cows. The ideal ratio between milk, meat and, especially, certain secondary performance markers, such as the ability to travel across difficult terrain and great distances, an excellent mother instinct and hardiness, is conducive to the spread of this breed; in particular, in areas of more extensive farming with harsh conditions. Its broad-based genetic diversity allows the breed to be harnessed for multiple purposes for both pure breeding and crossbreeding of utility livestock. Breeders from around the world appreciate the large number of positive performance characteristics of this breed, and some even claim Pinzgauer cattle are the "most beautiful cattle in the world".