Direction of use
The Tyrolian Grey Cattle are a dual-purpose breed. They can be used as a dairy breed in difficult environmental conditions, as a beef breed in all production situations and for crossbreeding with beef breeds.
Animals of this breed are particularly well suited for „Low Input Systems“ because of their low maintenance, outstanding forage, digestibility, ease of calving, vitality, robust stature and functional udders with an excellent milk quality.
The current breeding goal consists of 25% milk, 20% beef and 60% fitness.
The goal in milk production is 5,000 kg milk with 4.0% fat and 3.4% protein. The goal in beef production is to have good daily weight gains and to produce high quality meat.
Statistics & Distribution
- Austria: 18 000 animals
- Breed proportion in Austria: 0.9%
The distribution of this race extends mainly over North and South Tyrol and occasionally over Bavaria. In Switzerland, a smaller and lighter type, known as the „Rätisches Grauvieh“ can be found.
Figures
Ø Milk performance: 4,934 kg – 3.97% F – 3.29% P (305 days)
Ø Beef performance:
Daily weight gain (g) | ||
---|---|---|
200 days | 365 days | |
M | 1 081.6 | 926.9 |
F | 1 006.0 | 812.3 |
Control Farms (Herds): 1,402
Height (cm, Ø): 130
Weight (kg, Ø): 580
Animals in control farms: 13,398
Registered cows: 5,118
Origin: Tyrol (A)
History
1000 B.C.: Ancestors of today`s Tyrolean Grey Cattle were already kept in this region
Birth of Christ: Pliny and Strabo mentioned the good milk yield of the Grey Cattle in their travel report
1879 – 1884: First detailed classification of the pet breed Grey Cattle by F. Kaltenegger in the publication “The cattle of the Austrian Alpine countries”
1896: Establishment of the first livestock breeders` associations
The beginning of organized breeding resulted in a merging of the original breeds “Oberinntaler, Lechtaler and Wipptaler” to the Tyrolian Grey Cattle.
1908: Establishment of a Grey Cattle livestock breeders` association for protecting and promoting the breed, the existence of Grey Cattle was endangered by the mixing of races
1914 - 1918: Reduction of the Grey Cattle population during the 1st World War
1922: Establishment of Grey Cattle Cooperative Societies
1993: Start of the trademark beef-quality programme “Angelus”
1924: Establishment of the Tyrolian Grey Cattle Breeders’ Association
1933: Definition of a common breeding goal for all breeding matters
1948: Establishment of a station for artificial insemination in Imst, Brennbichl, today`s area of the Agricultural Center West
1967: Introduction of artificial insemination with frozen semen
1969: Construction of the insemination station Birkenberg, Telfs
1993: Start of the trademark beef-quality programme “Angelus”
1994: Recognition of the first Grey Cattle breeding association Vorarlberg; first recognition of a Grey Cattle breeding association outside the Tyrol; Start of work as an Austrian-wide breeding organization
1996: First participation in a federal beef cattle show- St. Peter am Kamersberg, Styria
2004: Opening of the Herd Book for special beef cattle breeding
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