Simmentaler Cattle
Simmentaler cattle were developed around the Middle Ages from a cross between German cattle and a smaller indigenous Swiss breed.
The name was derived from the place of origin, Simmer River Valley in Switzerland.
They are medium to large frame size with good muscling and little fat.
Their weight varies between 480 kg for cows and 650 to 950 kg for bulls, and the environment heavily influences it.
In South Africa, the animals are white and dark red, with well-pigmented areas around the eyes, but Europe and America have different color breeds.
They are raised primarily for beef production.
Simmentaler cattle are calm and easy to manage.
The cows have excellent maternal traits.
The bulls are known as the “king of crossbreeding” by Simmentaler SA because they speed up other breeds’ growth.
They also produce weaners that are high in demand in feedlots and fetch premium prices.
Article: Top 10 Best South African cattle breeds
