Austria's Bovine Population: Exploring The Numbers

Austria is home to around 1.85 million cattle, with 22,000 farms working together to improve the breeding population for individual breeds. The country's primary cattle breeds are Fleckvieh/Simmental, Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian, Pinzgauer, and Grauvieh Cattle. Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production in Austrian agriculture, with the value of production in 2022 reaching 916 million euros.

There are around 1.85 million cattle in Austria

Austria's Federal Association of Austrian Cattle Breeders (ZAR) is the umbrella organisation of all Austrian Cattle Breeding Organisations. These organisations work together in study groups, according to breed, to plan, set up and co-ordinate breeding programmes.

Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production in Austrian agriculture, with almost 60% of the country's utilised agricultural area being grassland. In addition to pig keeping, cattle farming with about 1.9 million head of cattle held and almost 55,000 cattle farmers (as of 1 December 2022) represents a significant part of the overall agricultural production in Austria. In 2022, the value of production amounted to 916 million euros, thus accounting for 20% of the country's animal production.

There are considerable differences between specialised cattle fattening, practised above all in regions with arable farming, and dairy farming in grassland.

22,000 farms in Austria are working on improving the breeding population

Austria has around 1.85 million cattle, of which 185,000 are suckler cows. Cattle farming is the most important line of production in Austrian agriculture, with about 1.9 million head of cattle and almost 55,000 cattle farmers as of December 2022.

Austria has 23 cattle breeds, including Fleckvieh/Simmental, Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian, Pinzgauer, and Grauvieh Cattle. In addition, there are various special breeds for beef production and other purposes. 22,000 farms in Austria with more than 400,000 cows in the herdbook are working on improving the breeding population for individual breeds. This is done through the Federal Association of Austrian Cattle Breeders (ZAR), which serves as the umbrella organisation for all Austrian Cattle Breeding Organisations.

The ZAR is composed of various associations, including the Cattle Breeding Organisations, the Federal Recording Organisations, the Chambers of Agriculture, and the Semen Collection and Semen Storage Centres. These associations work together in study groups, planning and coordinating breeding programmes for specific breeds. This collaborative effort allows for the systematic improvement of the breeding population, ensuring the continued development of Austria's cattle industry.

The focus on breeding improvement is a testament to Austria's commitment to sustainable and efficient cattle farming practices. By optimising the breeding population, farmers can enhance the productivity and quality of their herds, ultimately contributing to the country's agricultural success. This approach also aligns with Austria's emphasis on grassland utilisation, as cattle farming and milk production are integral to its agricultural landscape.

Austria's primary cattle breeds

Austria has around 1.85 million cattle, with 185,000 of these being suckler cows. Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production in Austrian agriculture, with 22,000 farms and more than 400,000 cows in the herdbook working together to improve the breeding population for individual breeds. Austria's primary cattle breeds are Fleckvieh/Simmental, Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian, Pinzgauer, and Grauvieh Cattle, as well as various special breeds for beef production and other purposes. Fleckvieh/Simmental, Braunvieh (Brown Swiss), Holstein Friesian, Pinzgauer, Grauvieh, and various beef and special breeds are exported through the platform 'GENETIC AUSTRIA'.

Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production in Austrian agriculture

Austria's utilised agricultural area is 60% grassland, making it ideal for cattle farming and milk production. In addition to pig keeping, cattle farming with about 1.9 million head of cattle and almost 55,000 cattle farmers represents a significant part of the overall agricultural production in Austria. In 2022, the value of production amounted to 916 million euros, accounting for 20% of the country's animal production.

Cattle farming in Austria shows considerable differences between specialised cattle fattening, practised in regions with arable farming, and dairy farming in grassland. The latter is more common due to the abundance of grassland. The former is more common in regions with arable farming, where there is a higher demand for beef production and less focus on dairy farming.

The Austrian cattle industry is focused on both meat and milk production, with various breeds being maintained for these purposes. The systematic improvement of the breeding population is a key focus for the industry, with many farms working together to achieve this goal.

The Federal Association of Austrian Cattle Breeders

Cattle farming and milk production are the most important lines of production in Austrian agriculture, with around 1.85 million cattle kept in Austria, including 185,000 suckler cows. The Federal Association of Austrian Cattle Breeders (ZAR) is the umbrella organisation of all Austrian Cattle Breeding Organisations. It has 22,000 farms with more than 400,000 cows in the herdbook, working together to improve the breeding population for individual breeds. Austria's primary cattle breeds are Fleckvieh/Simmental, Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian, Pinzgauer, and Grauvieh Cattle, as well as various special breeds for beef production and other purposes.

One of the key focuses of the Association is the systematic improvement of the breeding population for individual breeds. This involves selecting the right bulls for mating and optimising feeding practices for calves and cows. By doing so, they aim to enhance the genetic quality and productivity of the Austrian cattle herd.

Additionally, the Association supports the export of breeding cattle through platforms like "GENETIC AUSTRIA". This platform provides smart farming solutions, such as herd management tools and breeding value databases, to farmers, association employees, and veterinarians. The Association also provides targeted support for initiatives and projects that improve the marketing of Austrian breeding cattle, ensuring their global competitiveness.

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