Pinzgauer cattle are a breed of domestic cattle. It is an Austrian breed and is named after the Pinzgau region in which it was developed. Its history goes back to the 17th century. This breed is used primarily for milk and meat production, but also as a draught animal or service animal.
It is one of the oldest breeds in Austria. Fathers of the Pinzgauer had grazed their cattle on the alpine pastures where they were well adapted to the tough, rugged terrain and cold winters.
Contents
How to identify Pinzgauer cattle?
They are very large, pure red oxen, bulls weighing up to and cows up to. They have short, upright horns. Their eyes are usually black, as is their muzzle.
Pinzgauer have long drooping ears and a large dewlap. The hair on their bodies grows in the opposite direction of other breeds making them appear rough or shaggy. The coat color is usually red with a white patch on the rump.
Behavioral and Physical Characteristics
Pinzgauer cattle are unusually tame and friendly for a breed of their size. They are curious, intelligent, docile, willing to work, and easy to handle. Pinzgauer is very calm and tolerant of hot weather. They can thrive on food that many other breeds would reject as unpalatable.
The Pinzgauer is well adapted to harsh mountain climates at high altitudes where temperatures can be very low in the winter months when they are traditionally kept outdoors throughout the entire year.
Uses
Pinzgauer cattle are mainly used for meat production and dairy product, but they are also used as work animals in mountain areas or as service animals or pets.
Meat
The Pinzgauer is particularly suited for use as a terminal sire in crossbreeding programs.
dairy
Used mainly in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland as a native breed, they are very well adapted to alpine farming. Crossbreds with the Pinzgauer perform well on lowland farms too.
However, bulls must be carefully selected when crossed with larger breeds due to their small frame size and light bone structure The milk yield is high and the butterfat content is very good.
as pet
The Pinzgauer is an affectionate, sweet animal and can become quite attached to its owner. They are very peaceful and curious.
They do not have a strong tendency to bolt or jump fences.
However, their size makes them challenging to transport in a vehicle, so they are an excellent choice for small rural areas where it is possible to keep them outside all year round in a safe environment.
Health issues and Diseases
Pinzgauer are very hardy animals, so they are fairly resistant to many of the diseases that affect other breeds.
However, there is a condition known as ‘Pinzgauer staggers’ which is caused by a deficiency in vitamin thiamine. This can be prevented by giving supplements of thiamine (Vitamin B1) to young stock. Pinzgauer seems especially sensitive to some insecticides and nitrate contamination.
Special Considerations
Cows are generally very good mothers, but occasionally a calf will be stillborn. In these cases, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian for necropsy, as the cause may have been metabolic or nutritional.
Pinzgauer cows are known to have high fertility with calving intervals between 18 and 24 months, but it is not unusual for them to calve every 16 months. They are also known for their longevity with some animals living up to 20 years of age.
However, review the full breed profile of the Pinzgauer cattle in the following table.
Best 8 information
| Breed Name Pinzgauer cattle. | |
| Origin | Austria. |
| Size | Large. |
| Color | Red. |
| Climate Tolerance | Cold, alpine areas. |
| Temperament | Calm, social, intelligent, and curious. |
| Rarity | Rare. |
| Lifespan | 20 years. |
Conclusion
I hope that you enjoy this post and I hope that you will come back again because there are always new posts to read! If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below.
