Mutterkuhhaltung#

Suckler Cows, Keeping of, extensive, labour-saving form of cattle breeding for grassland use, which also reduces overproduction of milk products. In 1997 23% % (212,000 cows) of total livestock in Austria (900,000) were suckler or nurse cows, 80 % of the dams are Red Spotted Highland Simmental cattle. The keeping of Suckler Cows has developed into a separate branch of the livestock industry since the setting of milk quotas introduced in 1978. Most companies began with Simmental Cattle, sometimes cross-breeding beef cattle, some companies focused on the production of beef cattle by importing animals (Angus, Limousin, Charolais and others). The Highland Cattle and Galloway breeds are especially robust cattle breeds suitable for extensive husbandry.