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The Irish Simmental Cattle Breed Society

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Simmentals, the all round Continental Suckler

* Excellent supply of milk, without Friesian/Holstien influence.
* Growth Rate- Simmentals match the very best Continentals for daily weight gain.
* Muscling- Today’s Simmentals have considerably improved muscling.
* Fertility- Simmental have the ability to go back in calf quickly.
* Temperament- Simmental are a very docile breed, not nervous or excitable.
* Ease of calving- Simmental is renowned worldwide for ease of calving.

Introduction:

First discovered in the Simmen Valley, in the mountains of Switzerland and named after the place of origin……the Simmental breed was born. Early in the last century, cattle were exported to Central Europe and South Africa with further exportations across the continents in the 1960`s. The breed today has a global population of 50 million cattle. Its vast distribution demonstrates its adaptability to diverse climate and market challenges. The breeds ever expanding popularity, reflects its ability to meet the key elements of good breeding policy i.e., producing a product appealing to the consumer and obtaining maximum profit for the producer.

The initial importation of Simmental cattle to Ireland was in 1971, from Austria. This was followed shortly by importation’s from Germany, France and Switzerland. Simmental cattle were found to adapt very well to Irish conditions and now play a major role in Irish beef production.

Markets for Simmental:

To correctly analyse the future markets for quality Irish Simmental cattle, it is necessary to separate the market into beef production and suckler replacements.

Beef Production:

Today’s well muscled Simmental cattle are ideally suited to both the export trade and Irish bull beef production. It’s Simmentals Conformation, Growth Rate and Ideal Meat Colouring that’s leaving them in great demand among exporters, to be finished in feedlots in Italy and Spain. For Irish bull beef producers it’s the Ability to Grade , High Killout % and most importantly, superior Growth Rate that’s important. Simmental are rated as the number one breed for profitability in Irish bull beef production.

Suckler Replacements:

Currently there are over 150,000 heifers required annually to maintain the Irish suckler herd. Simmental is the preferred breed to fill this market, leaving quality heifers making premium prices.

Its Simmentals ability to produce a quality calf and rear it to its potential while still being docile that has made then so popular with suckler farmers.

Latest Developments:

Over the last 12 months the Irish Simmental Cattle Society has embarked on a major “Breed Improvement Programme”. This programme is mainly focused on improving muscling in the breed , without neglecting the breeds strengths, i.e. superior growth rate and milking ability. Following a survey of suckler farmers, an action strategy for the breed was produced.

This has resulted in the following actions by the Simmental Society this year.

Breed Standard:

A new breed standard has been agreed, putting much more emphasis on increased muscling/early fleshing in the breed.

Linear Scoring:

Three inspectors have been intensively trained for Linear Scoring and are presently out working in the pedigree herds scoring animals. These scores will provide farmers with an objective visual assessment of animals and will also be used in the production of BLUP figures.

Quality Development Scheme:

All pedigree breeders are being encouraged to join the new Quality Development Scheme. This scheme will facilitate very rapid genetic progress through the use of Linear, Dept. of Agriculture weight recording and the Central Bull Performance Test Station.

Tully Usage:

The Society are strongly promoting the use of the Dept. of Agriculture on farm weight recording and the Central Bull Test Station at Tully. Here all breeds are assessed for daily weight gain, conformation and feed efficiency.

In summary, the Irish Simmental Cattle Society are committed to rapid breed improvement and the producing of objective information, which can be used by Irish farmers when selecting sires.

Post:
Att: Peadar Glennon
Irish Simmental Cattle Breed Society
44 Church Street
Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland.

Email:info@irishsimmental.com

Tel: 0506 24577

Fax: 0506 24596

Web: www.irishsimmental.com