The Braunvieh, named after the brown colour of its coats, is one of the oldest and purest cattle breeds and part of beef production in South Africa, with records dating as far back as 800 BC.
The breed originated in the Alps of Switzerland, from where it was exported since 1897 to most of Europe and Russia.
The breed was strategically enhanced when Muri monks in the 1150 AC selected breeding according to physical structure, balance, masculinity, beef and milk production. The main purpose of breeding cattle was to provide enough income for a small farm. Cattle that scored less than 80 out of 100 were rejected, as acknowledged by the Braunvieh Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa.
The Braunvieh has since had a dramatic impact on local cattle breeds globally, particularly due to quick growth, good muscle rations and build. Today, there are over 7 million registered Braunvieh cattle in 42 studbooks in more than 60 countries.
Breeding Society in SA
The first Braunvieh bulls were imported to South Africa in 1907, as part of a crossbreeding program of the Department of Agriculture, which aimed at breeding cattle suited for the cold highlands of South Africa.
The Braunvieh Breeding Society was founded in 1925, but a split occurred in 1974 when breeders who primarily focussed on the dairy characteristics and those who focussed on dual characteristics consisting of both meat and milk, decided to go their separate ways. The dual purpose Braunvieh association gained formal recognition as a separate association in 1996.
Attributes
The Braunvieh is a medium to large framed dual-purpose breed, which has been developed for meat and dairy products in a 60:40 ratio. The breed has a dark pigment and a well-adjusted hide. They lose hair in summer and their hide thickens in winter to ensure its body temperature stays as constant as possible. The dark pigment also helps to prevent eye cancer.
With their strong legs and black hooves, the cattle have the ability to walk far, so are able to thrive in extensive production conditions. Their calm temperament makes them easy to manage on the farm and in feedlots.
The cows have excellent maternal traits. They are highly fertile with long productive lifespans, producing superior milk that ensures calves grow up fast with above-average weaned weight.
Production Regions
The Braunvieh breed is produced all over South Africa. Its origin in the Alps has led to it having a higher red blood count than other cattle breeds, allowing it to easily adapt to a variety of circumstances from extreme cold to extreme heat.
Use
While Braunvieh cattle can be used on their own in closed herds, they also produce excellent results when used in crossbreeding programmes. The breed has an immediate positive impact on any type of commercial cattle breeds when used for cross-breeding. This results in the first crossbreeds having more milk, good udders, teats, an improved building structure and constitution with weaners having a higher body weight than the norm.
The Braunvieh is said to make any cattle breed more tranquil, increase the growth tempo and put money back in the farmer’s pocket at weaning age. This investment benefit can be seen in the Braunvieh cross calves which reach a weaned weight at the age of between 4 to 6 months.
Meat Quality
The Braunvieh breed is in high demand in feedlots due to their quick growth and docile temperaments.
For bulk or Braunvieh Beef export enquiries please use the enquiry link below.