The Pinzgauer breed of cattle is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The breed is not a cross of any breed, but one that can trace its genetics back to herd books from the 1600's. The earliest reports state that around 600 A.D., herdsmen in the Alpine region of Europe developed a herd of cattle that would thrive on small, rocky pastures. They were looking for a type of cattle that could withstand harsh environmental conditions and still produce quality milk and meat. The breed spread throughout Europe and made their way to North American in 1972.
Because of their selective breeding, the Pinzgauer cow possesses excellent maternal traits. Adding Pinzgauer to your herd will increase your weaning weights. The females produce ample milk that is high in butterfat. That translates into healthy calves that show excellent weight per day of age. Pinzgauer females are extremely fertile and breed back quickly. They routinely produce 500-600 lbs of calf every 11 to 12 months.
The breed overall has been bred for docility. New research shows that the easier an animal is to handle, the better the beef. This, along with their unique enzyme make-up, makes Pinzgauer beef one of the most tender meat breeds in existence. Genetic studies have confirmed that the breed carries the tenderness gene. Also, the dressing percentage of Pinzgauer steers is very high.
For the cattle industry today, the breed possesses many favorable attributes that can make the difference in profitability. If you run a cow/calf operation, your Pinzgauer females will be your best producing females. If you are looking to breed animals that top the charts in tenderness, dressing percentage and weight per day of age, look no farther than Pinzgauer genetics.
Every fall, Pinzgauer enthusiasts from across North America gather at one location for the National Show and National Junior Show. This year, the National show is being hosted by the Midwest Pinzgauer Association and will be held at the World Beef Expo in Milwaukee, WI September 27 � 30, 2007.
For more information, contact the American Pinzgauer Association at (800) 914-9883 or the Southeastern Pinzgauer Association at (877) 439-7994.
