The Braunvieh breed of cattle have displayed amazing statistics in terms of being a dual purpose production animal. Producing staggering amounts of milk products and an exceptional standard of beef.

MILK

In 1996, 16 national production records were established, the biggest of these breaking the 1000 BCA plateau for the first time in the Brown Swiss breed!!! West Lawn J King Desiree, a senior 3 year old, finally smashed through that magic 1000 barrier with a total BCA of 1066. Her 305 record put her at the top of all three All Time Class Leader groups.
 

Whilst the above figures indicate an upper level of production it is to be noted that mean production under optimum conditions does not fall far short of these marks.

BEEF

The beef produced from the Braunvieh has excellent marbling, low fat and is tender. It is generally considered to of the quality and standard required for the new milennium, referenced of course to it's low level of saturated fats. The taste is supreme owing to it's excellent marbling qualities.

Excerpt from a study conducted by the Meat Institute of the Animal Research Council at the  Irene Production Institute of South Africa entitled  “Genotype Evaluation Program”

Intensively fed Braunvieh bulls, oxen and oxen treated with growth stimulant implants were evaluated as far as growth performance, slaughter quality, carcass quality and meat quality characteristics were concerned. Scientists differentiated between these three gender conditions. In commercial feedlot, as well as with various other Dual Purpose breeds and Beef breeds. 

Comparison of Average Daily Gain and Feed Conversion Ratio of Braunvieh, Medium/Large frame and Large frame oxen treated with growth stimulant implants of other breeds as well as Phase C tests: 
 

The high Average Daily Gain which Braunvieh can maintain over a lengthy feeding period is significant, as well as the Feed Conversion ratio which is still improving. These results can only be achieved if more muscle than fat is deposited. After 162 days the carcass only had approximately 14% carcass fat. 

With the present positive margin a longer feeding period with favourable ADG and PCR and low fat percentages can be utilised successfully by anyone who finishes off cattle intensively. 

Carcass characteristics of three gender conditions: BRAUNVIEH breed average, a Dual Purpose breed and a Beef Breed. 

The slaughter percentage which is significantly higher is of considerable economic value to the producer. If the Dual Purpose breed and the beef breed were able to maintain the same slaughter percentage, the carcass would have been approximately 7 kg heavier. At a meat price of R8.50 per kg it means an additional R59.50 in the pocket of the producer. 

Seen from the perspective of the meat dealer the muscle: bone and the meat: bone ratio are of great importance, since it means that the saleable meat yield per carcass will be higher too. If the dual purpose and beef breeds can maintain the same percentage as the Braunvieh respectively. If the dealer has a mark-up percentage of 30% which is general practice, his nett realisation on a Braunvieh carcass will then be R21.77 and R64.42 more than the other two breeds. 

The higher the data the larger (tougher) the cutting resistance.
1= Least acceptable
8= Most acceptable

From the above data it becomes clear that the Braunvieh meat is indeed more tender than the average meat of other breeds and crossbreeds tested at the meat center at Irene. 

As far as results of the testing panel are concerned, it was found that they compared well with the commercial data. According to the tasting panel the general acceptability of all three Braunvieh gender conditions were slightly better than the commercial results. 

Courtesy of the South African Braunvieh Association.