[Comparison of production data and reasons for culling in Hinterwald, Vorderwald, Fleckvieh and Holstein cows from 1953 to 2021]. / Leistungsdaten und Abgangsursachen von Hinterwälder-, Vorderwälder-, Fleckvieh- und Holstein-Kühen in den Jahren 1953 bis 2021.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the current inventory of Hinterwald cows in Baden Wurttemberg and in Switzerland. A secondary goal was to compare the production data and registered reasons for culling in Hinterwald, Vorderwald, Fleckvieh and Holstein dairy cows in order to determine possible differences between extensive and intensive husbandry practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant breeding organization data from 1953 to 2021 were obtained and analyzed. The data of the Hinterwald Breed Association of Switzerland were also included in this study because a large population has been established in the past 40 years. RESULTS: The number of Hinterwald cows used in dairy production has markedly declined in their original area of distribution in the highland zone of the Southern Black Forest. There is reason to fear that the use of this breed on dairy farms may eventually cease. In contrast, an increase in the number of Hinterwald cattle in extensive farming for meat production was seen in the Black Forest region and in Switzerland. Compared with Vorderwald, Holstein and Fleckvieh cows, the milk yield of Hinterwald cows has not increased significantly over the last 60 years, whereas other production data including fertility parameters, udder health, feet and leg scores and longevity have been outstanding. The breed comparison also revealed that the enormous increase in milk yield in the most popular dairy breeds has occurred at the expense of an unacceptably high disease prevalence and an associated shortened lifespan, often under suboptimal husbandry conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Hinterwald breed has survived as a result of the resilience of many farmers, the financial commitment of private organizations and governmental support. The characteristics of Hinterwald cattle are excellent, making this breed an ideal choice for sustainable farming, which is a necessity in view of climate change. It would appear prudent to preserve and support this breed and others as they represent a valuable gene pool.

Right-sided cleft lip and jaw in a family of Vorderwald × Montbéliarde cattle.

A congenital unilateral cleft lip and jaw in association with campylognathia to the opposite side was identified in a family of Vorderwald×Montbéliarde cattle. Clinical examination, radiography and computed tomography revealed similar types and degrees of orofacial abnormality in three affected animals from different farms. Digital radiographs and computed tomography demonstrated absence of the rostral segment of the incisive bone in association with sigmoid curvature of the rostral lower jaw and campylognathia to the left side. All three affected animals could be traced back to a common ancestor, a Montbéliarde bull, who had sons and grandsons used for in-crossing in Vorderwald cattle. The affected animals were inbred on Montbéliarde sires, with inbreeding coefficients of 0.39% in one calf and 6.25% in two calves. Pedigree analysis supported the hypothesis of an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.