Gelbvieh originated in Bavaria,
in southern Germany. It is believed to have been developed in the late
18th and early 19th century from self-colored Bernese and Swiss Brown
cattle used on the local red or red spotted cattle. Like most European
breeds the Gelbvieh was originally selected for meat, milk and work.
The breed was introduced into the
United States by Carnation Genetics through the importations of semen
from Germany, starting in July of 1971.
The Gelbvieh is one of the European
breeds which was introduced to the United States through artificial
insemination programs. The American Gelbvieh Association was also organized
in 1971. Like many other breeds imported during this time the breed
was established by the upgrading of foundation females.
Females are registered as purebred
at 7/8 Gelbvieh and bulls at 15/16. To gain status as an A.I. sire in
Germany, the German bulls first must excel in a battery of performance
and progeny tests.
Over 70% of the German calf crop
is A.I.-sired; therefore, the breed is backed by a strong performance
heritage. AGA has requires performance records for registration. An
annual Sire Summary, Cow Recognition Program, EPDs for all animals,
breed promotion, and a Commercial Marketing Program headline AGA's programs
of action.
The breed is red in color,
with strong skin pigmentation, and horned. Polled cattle have developed
in the United States from the use of naturally hornless foundation females.
Proponents of the breed claim the breed has superior fertility, calving
ease, mothering ability, and growth rate of the calves.
Reference:
Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs.
Modern Breeds of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co.
1980
Mason, I.L, World Dictionary
of Livestock Breeds, Third edition (1988), C.A.B International
Promotional materials, American
Gelbvieh Association, Westminster, CO
Photographs:
American Gelbvieh Association,
Westminster, CO
Copyright © 1997, 2002. Oklahoma
State University Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
