Also Known By: Einfarbig gelbes Hohenvich, German Yellow

 

Gelbvieh originated in Bavaria, in southern Germany. It is believed to have been developed in the late 18th and early 19th century from self-colored Bernese and Swiss Brown cattle used on the local red or red spotted cattle. Like most European breeds the Gelbvieh was originally selected for meat, milk and work.

 

The breed was introduced into the United States by Carnation Genetics through the importations of semen from Germany, starting in July of 1971. The Gelbvieh is one of the European breeds which was introduced to the United States through artificial insemination programs. The American Gelbvieh Association was also organized in 1971. Like many other breeds imported during this time the breed was established by the upgrading of foundation females. Females are registered as purebred at 7/8 Gelbvieh and bulls at 15/16. To gain status as an A.I. sire in Germany, the German bulls first must excel in a battery of performance and progeny tests. Over 70% of the German calf crop is A.I.-sired; therefore, the breed is backed by a strong performance heritage. AGA has requires performance records for registration. An annual Sire Summary, Cow Recognition Program, EPDs for all animals, breed promotion, and a Commercial Marketing Program headline AGA's programs of action.

 

The breed is red in color, with strong skin pigmentation, and horned. Polled cattle have developed in the United States from the use of naturally hornless foundation females. Proponents of the breed claim the breed has superior fertility, calving ease, mothering ability, and growth rate of the calves.

 

 

Registries and Breed Associations

 

Australia

The Australian Gelbvieh Association Inc.
Agricultural Business Research Institute
University of New England
Armidale, NSW 2351
Phone:  (02) 6773 3022
Email: gelbvieh@abri.une.edu.au

 

Canada

Canadian Gelbvieh Association
110, 2116 - 27th Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta T1Y 7A6
Phone: (403) 250-8640
Email: gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca

 

United States

American Gelbvieh Association
350 Interlocken Blvd.
Broomfield, CO 80021
Phone: (303) 465-2333

 

 

References

Briggs, H.M. & D.M. Briggs. Modern Breeds of Livestock. Fourth Edition. Macmillan Publishing Co. 1980

 

Mason, I.L, World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Third edition (1988), C.A.B International

 

Promotional materials, American Gelbvieh Association, Westminster, CO