Impressive improvements in Calving Ease have been achieved in the Simmental breed over the past 10 years, building on the progressive improvement made since the breed was introduced to the country 30 years ago.

Recognising the economic importance of calving ease, Simmental studs across Australia have applied greater selection pressure for this trait, aided by Simmental Breedplan’s Calving Ease EBVs.

The results have been dramatic. The breed-wide levels of unassisted calvings is now a high 95%, including first calving heifers. This represents a significant improvement on the 87% level which existed 10 years ago.

Importantly, the combined percentage of “Hard Pull” and “Veterinary Assisted” calvings has fallen to a very low 1.2% from the 5.1% level of 10 years ago.

These low levels of calving difficulty compare more than favourably with British Breeds (eg Hereford and Angus), so are very appealing to the Crossbreeder wishing to utilize the superior growth, milk and carcase attributes of the Simmental breed in their programs.

The following Table shows the distribution of calving ease scores recorded by Simmental studs on over 85,000 calving records during the 10 year period, 1990 to 2000.

Studs now record calving ease scores on 97% of calf births, compared with 57% level 10 years ago.

This demonstrates the importance placed by studs on recording this trait and in continuing selection pressure to further improve it.

Distribution of Calving Ease Scores (85,000 calving records from 1990 to 2000)