Tiroler Grauvieh
The Tiroler Grauvieh (Tyrolean Grey cattle) is a small- to medium-sized dual-purpose cattle breed. The animals are solid grey to iron-grey in colour with black hooves, a dark muzzle with a lighter border and the head, neck and trunk are a smoky colour. The bulls are darker than the cows and bear a lighter-coloured streak along the back. The Tiroler Grauvieh originated around 1900 from the local Wipptaler, Lechtaler and Oberinntaler breeds in Tyrol and forms part of the local identity. The Tiroler Grauvieh is principally a dual-purpose breed. Milk production is about 4,900 kg with a 4.0 % fat content and 3.3 % protein. Adult cows yield an average of about 5,100 kg of milk. Due to the natural environmental conditions, breeding is designed for a performance that can be attained without commercial fodder. All of the calves and steers are held in high-alpine regions along the main alpine ridge and all cows have pasture access in the summer, whilst 40 % of the cows are taken to alpine pastures. 81% of all farms lie at an altitude of over 1,000 m.1,300 breeder families currently keep about 5,000 herdbook cows, less than the 7,500 threshold under which cattle breeds are considered threatened. The current proportion of Tiroler Grauvieh amongst all breeds in Austria is 1.0 %. The number of animals per farm is extremely low, each keeping on average less than 4 cows. Every year, about 600 breeding animals and 300 Alpine steer are sold. The association Tiroler Grauviehzuchtzverband represents breeders of this cattle variety.
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