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U.S . Simmental Cattle are Performance Tested

The American Simmental !

The American Simmental is best described as a performance-tested breed of beef cattle created from a blend of the best strains of Simmental Cattle that originated in Europe.

Included among these strains are "Fleckvieh" in Germany and Austria, "Pie Rouge" Simmental from Switzerland, "Montebeliarde" and "Abondance" in France, and "Pezzata Rosa" in Italy. Each of these are distinct strains although they trace their origin to the Swiss cattle. Their individual characteristics have increased the versatility and adaptability of the cattle to American management systems and allowed breeders greater flexibility in their selection process.

Simmental cattle are also recognized for their ruggedness and substance of bone. This traces back to the origin of the breed when they were selected for draft purposes as well as meat and milk production. The heavy skeletal structure necessary for draft animals has been retained in the modern day Simmental and is considered an advantage in today's cattle industry because of the breeds ability to withstand day to day stress. This structural strength increases the longevity of Simmental cattle. Their previous use for draft purposes resulted in emphasis on strong feet and legs, a trait the breed still possesses.

Mature Simmental cows will weigh from 1,100 to 1,500 pounds and mature bulls from 2,200 to 2,800 pounds. While it may take 4 years to reach their mature physical size, Simmental cattle are known for their early sexual maturity. Heifers begin cycling at 650-700 pounds, which for many is as early as 9-12 months of age. Yearling bulls reach sexual maturity early and by 15 months of age are active breeders that can service 25 cows or more in a breeding season. Mature bulls can handle 50 cows without stress if managed accordingly. Offspring from sires and dams of this size can easily reach slaughter weights of 1,000 to 1,350 with a sizable frame that is able to hold extra pounds of red meat and muscle. Weight per day of average daily gain are two areas where Simmentals excel. When on full feed, Simmental can gain four to five pounds per day under a favorable environment for an extended length of time.

Upgrading was used initially to incorporate the polled gene in Simmental breeding programs. Genetic mutations have also occurred resulting in polled cows of other breeds. Using careful selection criteria, American breeders have maintained the dominant polled gene in an increasing number of American purebred Simmental creating the largest source of polled Simmental genetics anywhere in the world.

The combination of these characteristics has resulted in the American Simmental beef animal. Cattlemen find them to be useful, docile animals that combine excellent maternal qualities along with outstanding meat, muscle, and carcass characteristics.

An additional reason for the success of Simmental cattle in the United States is the progressive approach breeders have taken concerning performance-testing programs. Concepts such as open artificial insemination, within-herd comparisons, breed-wide sire evaluation, genetic trait leaders, outstanding cow award programs, and required reporting of weights before registration have been assets in selecting cattle with sound economic qualities.

The selection and breeding programs implemented by Simmental breeders plus the superior genetic ability of Simmental cattle have all contributed to the present-day success of the breed.

* reproduced with permission from Record Stockman