Telemark (beef)
The Telemark cattle are the oldest Norwegian cattle breed . It was the first breed to be professionally bred and presented in public exhibitions. The breed was led by the Swedish state agronomist Johan Lindeqvist. The cattle, which were then widespread in Upper Telemark , an area in southern Norway , were characterized by their robustness, high milk yield and good adaptability in fjord , forest and mountain areas.
Breeding history
The first public exhibition of the Telemark cattle took place in Kviteseid in 1856. Ten years later, Seljord became a permanent exhibition venue, which it has remained to this day. Over the years, other cattle breeds and farm animals were added. This animal show (norw. Dyrsku'n ) still takes place every year in September and is one of the most popular of its kind in Norway.
The telemark cow eventually became so popular that it became something of a national symbol.
With the breeding of the Telemark cow, the voluntary system of "Husdyrkontroll" (German pet control ) also developed, in which around 90% of Norwegian milk producers are members today. She helps the farmer u. a. in breeding work, the correct feed composition, control of milk and slaughter quality , problems with fertility or animal health and the economic management of the farm.
Since 1926, stud books have been published for both bulls and cows. From 1946, fertilization by means of artificial insemination was also possible for the first time .
Gradually, however, larger cattle breeds came to Norway, which gave more milk. The numbers of telemark cattle and other small breeds fell sharply. Nevertheless, there was still access to breeding semen. Some farmers kept the old breed of cattle alive. The district agronomist Torvald Indrebø made sure that enough new breeding bulls were bought and tested. The interest in the old breed of cows increased again and the decline in the population could be stopped. Today, Norwegian farmers who keep old breeds of cattle receive the highest government grant.
Breed characteristics
The telemark cattle are red or fire-colored on the sides. It has a continuously white back, from tail to head. The chest is white, as are the belly, udder , hind legs and tail. The head is speckled with a red mouth, ears and cheeks. There is a red line or spot above the eyes. Where red and white meet, the edge has "trickled"; it can only run in a straight line on the stomach.
Each animal has a slightly different horn shape.
The telemark cattle is a typical milk breed. It shouldn't have too bulky legs or be too muscular. Its live weight is less than 500 kg. The body is narrow and elongated with a long and slender neck.
In 2000 the milk production per animal and year was 4111 kg with 4.05% fat and 3.23% protein.
About 700 animals of this breed are registered, 180 of them in the "Husdyrkontroll". The number of animals has risen sharply in the last ten years: from around 150 cows in 1991 to around 700 in 2003. For comparison: Norway's most popular dairy cattle breed, the NRF cow, has around 300,000 animals 98% of Norwegian milk production makes up.
source
- Norwegian breeding association "Landslaget for Telemarkfe" (German: "National team for the telemark cattle")