Characteristics:
Through a century-long process of selection on extreme slopes, with
an at times meager fodder supply, these sure-footed, healthy and easily
satisfied animals came into being, a breed which in a comparison to
body weight (ca. 350 to 450 kg) produces a substantial amount of milk
(ca. 3200 kg).
Also remarkable is its very fine-fibered flesh.
Further characteristics of this fine-featured mountain cow are: good
health, undemanding, fertility, easy calving, sure-footed in mountains,
longevity and a good roughage utilization.
In comparison to the high milkfat breeds, many
fewer foot injuries are suffered in the back woods and mountainous regions.
The animals are pale-yellow to red speckled, variegated or solid; the
head is white, frequently with eye spots. The height of the whithers
of the cow is approx. 118 cm, and of the bull 125 cm.
Breeding Organization: Since 1983 Pro Specie Rara has built up
a maintenance breeding program for the Hinterwald. In 1988 the Swiss
Hinterwald Breeding Society was founded which today organizes the whole
breeding program under its own direction.
The main emphases of the activities consist
of animal judging, milk production tests and the supply of breeding
animals. The compiling of the breeding and herd book is the real centerpiece
of its work.
Reference:
Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds
1995, Pro Specie Rara, Engelgasse 12a, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland,
Telefon xx41/(0)71/222 74 20, Fax xx41/(0)71/223 74 01. German Translation
provided by John te Velde, Associate Professor of German, Oklahoma
Stat
