Simmental Embryos for Sale from Davis Rairdan
Davis Rairdan have Simmental embryos for sale from a variety
of top bloodlines, including Mr Dusty Dignified 10P, Rendezvous
505U, WBL Extra 1A, and a host of others.
Simmental Cattle Breed Characteristics
There are certain traits that are characteristic to all strains
of Simmental cattle. Simmental cattle, as a breed, tend to have
larger, longer heads than British breeds of cattle. Along with this,
they have substantially larger ears that are set lower on their
head, a trait that can help identify Simmental and Simmental-cross
cattle. Another trait that is typical is the appearance of loose
folds of hide in the brisket and dewlap area.
Simmental cattle are also recognized for their ruggedness and substance
of bone.
This structural strength increases the longevity of Simmental cattle.
Simmental Donor Cows
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.
Weight per day of age and average daily gain are two areas where
Simmental excel. Studies conducted in the U.S. have shown that
Simmental cattle have the ability to efficiently convert non-concentrates
to gain, which significantly lowers cost per pound of gain.
An important characteristic of Simmental cattle is their excellent
maternal traits. In the U.S., the Simmental cow has been selected
for her ability to conceive at 15 months, have a live, healthy
calf as a two-year-old, and be able to re-breed while nursing
her calf to maintain a desirable 365-day calving interval. She
must be able to continue this cycle without interruption throughout
her productive lifetime, which may be as long as 10-12 years.
Shape and size of the udder is extremely important in Simmental
cattle. When evaluating the udder, look for a strong fore and
rear attachment to the body wall, equal size of all four quarters
and rather small and uniform teats that are evenly spaced on each
quarter.
Temperament is another important characteristic of Simmental cattle.
Quiet dispositions are highly desired under any type of management,
and this is a trait that finds favor with beef producers.
Two traits that have been developed in Simmental cattle to include
a wider range of color patterns and the introduction of the polled
Simmental gene into the breed. Simmental include all colors and
color patterns with no restrictions. This has important consequences
in areas of the country where sun scald or sunburning is a problem.
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History of the Simmental Breed
The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed
of all breeds of cattle in the world. Although the first
official herdbook was established in the Swiss Canton of
Berne in 1806, there is evidence of large, productive "red
and white" cattle being found much earlier in ecclesiastical
and secular property records of Western Switzerland. Those
red and white animals were highly sought because of their
"rapid growth development; outstanding production of
milk, butter and cheese; and for their use as draught (draft)
animals." They were known for their gentle nature,
impressive stature and excellent dairy qualities.
The breed made its most recent appearance in North America
when a Canadian, Travers Smith, imported the famed bull
"Parisien" from France in 1967. Semen was introduced
into the United States that same year, with the first half-blood
Simmental calf born at Geyser, MT, in February, 1968.
The breed is known by a variety of names, including "Fleckvieh"
in Germany; "Pie Rouge", "Montbeliarde",
and "Abondance" in France; and "Pezzata Rosa"
in Italy. The Simmental name is derived from their original
location, the Simme Valley of Switzerland. In German, Thal
or Tal means valley, thus the name literally means "Simme
Valley".
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