| Fleckvieh Simmental is one of the most
important breeds in the world. It arrived in Argentina from Europe in 1967. Its main
ability is beef production but it still maintains a valuable milk and matemal
ability. The first heads wers brought from Germany; later on genetics from other European
countries was added, particularly Austria and Switzerland. Finally  Canadian and US animals
were also imported. This genetic pool has been modelled down generations in
order to adapt it to Argentine management systems, based on extensive
pastoral farming. By now, Argentine Fleckvieh Simmental is a beef breed with a
clearly defined, functional type. Selection was oriented towards animals which
could adapt to pastoral farming based exclusively on roughage, which
implies toughsr environments. It is mainly used in crossing programmes with
British and Indicus cows. The variety of climate and snvironments, ranging from the
cold Patagonian area up to subtropical zones in the North, have definsd selection,
stressing adaptability and production in such contexts. On account of all this, the
genetics of the breed is oriented towards medium sized animals (frame scores 6-7),
calving ease, firm feet and excellent muscling.
Selection chooses dark colours, short straight and sotl hair, proper
pigmentation in eyes, hoofs and testicles/udder. Females stand out among any other
beef breed for their matemal ability.
This trait is due to its European double purpose origin. Fleckvieh
Simmental dams combine a relevant matemal ability with a vsry good matemal instinct
which guarantees excellent rearing of their calves. As regards programmes and
projects, the Asociación Civil Argentina de Criadores de Fleckvieh Simmental
(ACACFS: Argentine Fleckvieh Simmental Breeders Association) has pioneered the use of
modem technology for genetic evaluation of breeding stock.
The launching of the National Breeding Stock Evaluation Programme
(PRONER) in 1987, backed by INTA signalled a milestone in cattle rearing. ACACFS was
the first Association to publish a Sire Summary with EPD’s (Estimated Progeny
Differences) for such traits as birth weight, weaning weight, ysarling weight and
matemal ability. The seventh Sire Summary was published in 1997. Animals with an
outstanding performance in pastoral farming tum Argentine Fleckvieh Simmental into a
balanced breeder with high genetic value. Data on pure breeds gathered in grasslands
during the past ten years are an excellent proof of their productivity.
The Fleckvieh Simmental Full Blood Herd Book is closed -over 5
generations- and is under the care of the SRA. Imports from 69 pure-breed
establishments amount to over 1,200 animals per year.
On the other hand, the Association runs the Pure-breed Fléckvieh
Simmental Herd Book as well as Official Herd Books for synthetic breeds: Simbrah
(Fleckvieh Simmental x Brahman), Simbraford (Fleckvieh Simmental x Braford),
Simangus (Fleckvieh Simmsntal x Angus) and Simford (Fleckvieh Simmental x Hereford).
This move towards technical improvement has caused Argentine breeders
to export genetics to South American countries: Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and
Uruguay in particular. Argentine bulls and cows stand out on account of their
adaptability and quality. They have received several top prizes as well as prices in
the main shows held in neighbouring countries. ACACFS is a founding member of the Worid
Simmental Federation and the Latin American Federation of Fleckvieh Simmental
Breeders. It aims at promoting the breed, establishing commercial deals and sesing
to export import details for its members.
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