Introducing Fleckvieh genetics into holstein operations can significantly improve the strength, fertility and productive life of dairy animals, says John Popp of Big Bear Genetics.
brought to Germany and
Austria in 1830, Fleckvieh
was developed as independent
in 1920. For those ninety
years, the breed was developed
for drought capacity, meat
and milk production.
“Fleckvieh, currently in Holland, is the number one breed chosen for cross-breeding,” Popp tells Bernard Tobin in the interview featured below. “And the highest producing cow in Holland last year was actually a Fleckvieh.”
The breed, known in part for its muscling, provides a solid foot under the cattle, says Popp, while still allowing dairy farmers to make a good income from milk production.
Popp is currently working to bring Fleckvieh genetics into over 1000 herds in North America, and 100-150 in Ontario.
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