Fleckvieh in Canada

4 CROSSBREEDING 

Fleckvieh in Canada 

Dr. John Popp, Ph.D., Big Bear Genetics Ltd. 

F1 heifer, 

S: Enrico 

Since the May 2003 BSE case reported in Canada, the Canadian dairy export market to the United States 

has been at a standstill. This has resulted in lower replacement dairy heifer costs in Canada – an 

aspect which made expansion in Canada appealing. Back only a few years ago, most dairy producers 

would look to traditional dairy breeds to increase herd size. Not only that, but certainly would not expect 

to pay more money for buying crossbreds vs. Holstein. However, some farmers recognized their 

chance and expanded their herds with Fleckvieh. Read, what their experiences were and why they are 

now convinced that this was the right decision. 

Young Dairy farmers expand by purchasing Fleckvieh F1 crosses at a 

premium: 2 years later… was it a worthwhile investment? 

Cornel and Cremona Primrose, Alberta 

Cornel and Cremona Primrose expanded 

their dairy 1.5 years ago 

purchasing Holsteins from a 

Holstein breeder dispersal sale as 

well as Fleckvieh F1 crosses from 

a fellow Fleckvieh breeder in 

Manitoba. Following is a very brief 

report on Canadian Dairy Herd 

The Primroses rise their crossbreds on the pasture. 

Improvement (DHI) data for 2 

cows specifically as they are identical 

for the days in milk into the 

second lactation; both entered the 

herd at a similar time as Primrose 

dairy expanded. One being a 

Fleckvieh * Holstein sired by 

Hippo that they purchased from 

Test day milk Fat % Protein % Days in Milk Milk to date SCC in ‘000 

Liters (Lbs) Liters (Lbs) 

June 12 

Holstein 35.5 (78.2) 2.8 2.9 15 517 (1138.8) 37 

F1 (FV x HF) 33.5 (73.8) 3.4 3.5 15 489 (1077.1) 17 

July 16 

Holstein 27.9 (61.5) 2.4 2.5 49 1568 (3453.7) 158 

F1 (FV x HF) 33.8 (74.4) 3.0 2.8 49 1644 (3621.1) 24 

Riedbow dairy in Manitoba, the 

other being a registered Holstein 

purchased from a breeder dispersal 

sale in Alberta. Both animals 

had their second calves on 

May 28, 2007 and at the time of 

writing DHI data is available for 

12 June, 2007 and 16 July, 2007 

for second lactations. 

While these are only two animals, 

the data is consistent also with results 

from other dairies that have 

been breeding with Fleckvieh and 

are now in a position where they 

are milking Fleckvieh crosses. At 

49 days in milk, the consistency of 

the flat lactation of Fleckvieh is 

evident. At a very hot time of the 

year, the Primrose’s feel that their 

Fleckvieh crosses succumb less to 

heat stress and maintain more 

consistent production. Production 

numbers in Canadian dairies have 

F1 crosses producing 25 to 32 liters 

(55 to 70 lbs) with second lactations 

consistently 8 to 10 liters 

(17 to 22 lbs) higher. While data is 

very limited to date on somatic 

cell count, the DHI recorded Fleckvieh 

crossbreds to date are averaging 

60’000 to 80’000 below the 

herd average. 

When speaking with Cremona and 

Cornel they both feel that the decision 

to spend more money on 

Fleckvieh crossbreds will be rewarded 

with more profit. They expect 

that the longevity on the 

crossbreds will be greater. 

FLECKVIEHWorld 2007

One million liters of Fleckvieh milk in the tank… it just keeps on going 

Riedbow Dairy, Manitoba 

Riedbow dairy started using Fleckvieh 

to cross on their Holstein dairy 

herd in 2001. Since then they 

have also done a substantial herd 

expansion. Six years later, they 

are milking 143 Fleckvieh crosses; 

some already in their second lactations. 

With a current average at 

1.3 lactations (more and more 

young stock is still entering the 

herd) on the Fleckvieh crosses 

compared to the current Holstein 

herd at 2.9 lactations the Fleckvieh 

crosses are now running 5 to 7% 

behind for production. 

Ale Riedstra and I had an opportunity 

in the winter months to travel 

to Alberta to speak with some more 

dairy farmers about Fleckvieh 

crossing and one principal 

question kept coming up. Why is 

Riedbow dairy breeding F1 crosses 

after a voluntary waiting period 

of down as low as 45 days 

postpartum. Ale Riedstra’s answer 

is simple: “Because I can drop days 

in milk and I can move my F1’s 

into their second lactation faster. 

We know they will produce 8 to 10 

liters (17 to 22 lbs) more and the 

animals can easily manage the 

transition; Cumulative production 

over time – including the dry period 

will be higher and the longevity 

of the animal will put more money 

in the tank”. When asked to back 

what he says – Ale came up with a 

valuation on cow longevity. The 

cost of introducing a heifer to the 

milking herd ranges somewhere 

from $1800 to $2200. Generally 

speaking the animal has to complete 

200 or more days in milk in 

the first lactation to pay for that 

cost. The real money is made in 

the second and third lactations. 

Ale is also confident from experience 

that the Fleckvieh crosses 

can handle a 45 day dry period, if 

need be. For the sake of this calculation, 

however, the determination 

is done on a 60 day dry period. 

Typical F1 cross production in first 

lactation > 8000 liters on 315 days. 

Typical Holstein production in first 

lactation > 8700 liters on 345 days. 

Typical intercalving period on dairies 

using Fleckvieh is 0.7 to 1.o 

month below previous production. 

Fleckvieh to date is consi- 

FLECKVIEHWorld 2007 

stently adding 1 to 1.5 lactations to 

herd average. The data below are 

consistent with production numbers 

at Riedbow. 

This is provided as a simple method 

of determining the value of 

longevity. An additional calf, the 

reduced replacement rate, reduced 

health and breeding costs all 

represent values of the Fleckvieh. 

Further herd data is presented below 

on the production of Fleckvieh 

crosses into their second lactation 

at Riedbow dairy. While we don’t 

suggest that Fleckvieh crosses 

CROSSBREEDING 5 

may outperform straight dairy 

breeds, we are confident that longevity 

and fertility can be added 

using Fleckvieh. Riedbow dairy is 

confident in the decision they have 

made in pursuing Fleckvieh 

and feel that many aspects of this 

dual purpose breed will add to 

their farm. So the next time a 

Fleckvieh breeder tells you that he 

does not want his heifers milking 

too hard in the first lactation – he 

has good reason. He knows his 

cows are going to stay around 

and they will make the money 

when they are grown up. 

Huge milking facility at Riedbow dairy. The Riedstra family is satisfied with the udder quality 

of Fleckvieh. 

Production results on Fleckvieh crosses with first lacations completed 

and into second lactation at Riedbow dairy – June 17, 2007 

F1 sire 1 st lactation Production 2 nd lactation Production Days pregnant 

Days in milk Liters (Lbs) Days in milk Liters (Lbs) 2 nd lactation 

Hippo 358 8290 (18260) 226 7600 (16740) 167 

Hippo 346 9640 (21233) 153 4870 (10727) 87 

Manager 280 8100 (17841) 239 7680 (16916) 211 

Manager 286 8150 (17951) 259 8320 (18326) 223 

Samurai 355 9450 (20814) 186 6700 (14758) 121 

Samurai 362 10160 (22379) 108 4080 (8987) 108 

Enrico 373 9370 (20639) 83 3440 (7577) Bred, not vet confirmed 

Enrico 307 7260 (15991) 145 4700 (10352) 145 


Enrico 267 6880 (15154) 169 5750 (12665) 98 


Enrico 299 7680 (16916) 17 800 (1762) Fresh 

Randy 289 8120 (17885) 164 6410 (14119) 121 

Randy 359 9910 (21828) 93 2530 (5573) Bred, not vet confirmed 

Haxzeus 291 8790 (19361) 157 4030 (8877) 87 

Haxzeus 336 9490 (20903) 49 2280 (5022) Not bred yet

6 CROSSBREEDING 

The Fleckvieh F1 cross 

1st lactation 8000 liters in 315 days /60 days dry 

2nd lactation 9600 liters in 305 days/60 days dry 

3rd lactation 10600 liters 315 days 

Cumulative lifetime production 935 days in milk/120 days dry / 

2 calves 

In 1055 days the animal produced 28200 liters or 26.7 liters /day 

The Holstein 

1st lactation 8900 liters in 345 days/ 60 days dry 

2nd lactation 11200 liters in 320 days 

Cumulative lifetime production on 665 days in milk/ 60 days 

dry/1 calf. 

In 725 days a total of 20’200 liters or a daily production of 

27.7 liters was realized. 

Crossbred cows from the Riedstra family 

are in high demand – this Manager daughter 

was sold from Manitoba to Alberta. 

My father, Werner – 

an intelligent man, a 

man of amazing vision 

and unmatched 

drive. Dad grew up in 

the ruins of the 

Second World War. In 

his years of high 

school he met the love 

of his life, Monika. 

Before their marria- 

Werner Popp on his farm in Manige, 

Werner was offetoba, 

Canada. 

red the opportunity to do a masters 

in business administration in Boulder, 

Colorado. Dad began his career 

working for a consulting firm 

and Monika and him struggled to 

make ends meet when their children 

were born. Shortly into his career, 

Werner started his own suc- 

Above numbers show production 

for Fleckvieh crosses coming into 

second lactation. At the time of 

writing 145 Fleckvieh crosses have 

entered the barn. Of those 2 animals 

had to be taken out of the 

barn, one because she was dripping 

milk and one because her 

production was low. Those ani- 

In memory of Werner Georg Popp, Dipl. V.W., MBA 

Born – 10.10.1940 Hirschau, Oberpfalz, Germany/Died – 30.3.2007 Erickson, Manitoba, Canada 

Dr. John Popp, Big Bear Genetics Ltd. 

cessful consulting business. By the 

early 1980’s he had saved enough 

money to pursue his dream of once 

again being a farmer. This led him 

to move his family to Canada in 

1983 to begin a beef and grain 

farm. It was a tough decision to 

move to another country and farm; 

he wanted the very best for his family, 

he wanted his sons to be well 

educated. The oldest, Max, is now a 

veterinarian, the second son, 

Michael, an agriculture professor. 

My work has been beef, grassland 

and dairy research and extension 

and I have been back on the family 

farm since 1998. Nine years ago, 

Monika left Werner’s side and he 

had to face a tough and lonely time 

after her death. 

mals are still on the farm being 

used as suckler cows. At an average 

of 1.3 lactations, the Fleckvieh 

crosses have a milking speed of 

6.9 minutes with a 305 day adjusted 

production at 8961 liters. 

Riedbow dairy is satisfied with the 

udder quality of Fleckvieh, feet 

and legs as well as overall health. 

A young boy, Werner grew up in the years of the war on a farm in Germany. He grew up milking Fleckvieh 

cows and in the years of his life he did things that can be unmatched by many. In the end, he 

was instrumental in bringing the Fleckvieh breed to the dairy industry of North America with Bavarian 

Fleckvieh Genetics of Muenchen Grub. 

While most people might think of 

retiring, dad started the ‘Fleckvieh’ 

chapter’ in his life. He went to Germany, 

met Dr. Grupp – asked him 

to come to Canada and meet his 

family. From there, the two proceeded 

to introduce Bavarian Fleckvieh 

to dairies in Canada. With time, dad 

guided my brother Max and I to take 

on more and more of the daily 

work of promoting Fleckvieh. 

My father was an amazing man – 

he loved the Fleckvieh breed and I 

am proud to say that he taught me 

a lot and he was my father. 

I am honoured to continue to work 

with Bavarian Fleckvieh now as I 

share his passion and love for the 

breed. 

FLECKVIEHWorld 2007

How do Fleckvieh crosses perform 

in the feed pen? 

John Popp, Ph.D., Big Bear Genetics Ltd. 

We worked with some of our dairies 

in the retention of the bull calves 

for growing and finishing. We 

all know that with continued impending 

upward pressure on feed 

grain prices, the cost of feed fed to 

the dairy cow will rise. Concurrent 

to that – growers also become 

concerned as steers and heifers 

are raised. In this article we will take 

a brief look at the growth performance 

of the Fleckvieh* dairy 

cross steers, fed concurrent with 

beef steers and dairy steers. The 

principal question is – is there money 

in growing and finishing animals? 

Do Fleckvieh crosses perform 

in the feed pen? Do they convert 

feed more efficiently? Do they 

have the same number of days on 

feed? While these numbers are 

CROSSBREEDING 7 

Why would anyone in their right mind talk about beef when talking about a milk cow? Strange to say that 

when most everyone that first looks at Fleckvieh tells us – „these cows are too beefy”. It is well established 

now that they are milking well in the US and Canada and dairymen using Fleckvieh now tell us just the 

opposite – „We get the same amount of milk as before – and we get the beef and other positive traits for 

free”. Some even tell us that they would like to see more ‘substance’ on some of their F1’s. This is why they 

continue to absorption cross with Fleckvieh to get an F2 and F3 animal. 

Grade and Yield Comparison of Fleckvieh*Holstein, 

Holstein and common North American beef steers 

Hereford*Angus 

Hereford*Angus 

Limousine*Angus 

Limousine*Angus 

Average 

Holstein 



Average 

Fleckvieh*Holstein 





Average 

FLECKVIEHWorld 2007 

just starting to come to light in 

North America, we have the opportunity 

to show some results. 

These data are from the Haustein 

dairy farm in Alberta where Doug, 

Bernadette, Calvert, Amanda and 

children and Conlee make their 

home. The cattle were fed in the 

same pens with equal access to 

water and feed and were a contemporary 

group on feed that were 

slaughtered and graded. Canadian 

carcasses provide yield data 

on the basis of removal of internal 

organs thus numbers are lower 

than in US system. AAA carcasses 

(A, AA, AAA characterization of 

intramuscular marbling) are usually 

equivalent to upper 1/3 choice 

while double AA would equivalent 

to USDA choice, with some car- 

Days age at slaughter Live weight lbs. Railgrade weight lbs Grade* Yield 

(liver kidney out) 

575,0 1526,0 832,0 aa 60,0 

572,0 1508,0 821,0 aaa 57,0 

615,0 1403,0 897,0 aaa 62,0 

624,0 1415,0 883,0 aa 64,0 

596,5 1463,0 858,3 60,8 

712,0 1381,0 728,0 aa 61,0 

716,0 1381,0 739,0 aaa 62,0 

633,0 1227,0 633,0 aa 59,0 

687,0 1329,7 700,0 60,7 

511,0 1486,0 776,0 aa 61,0 

563,0 1572,0 826,0 aa 64,0 

588,0 1406,0 825,0 aa 64,0 

559,0 1455,0 784,0 aa 59,0 

550,0 1402,0 760,0 aa 63,0 

554,2 1464,2 794,2 62,2 

*Grade: a – trace marbling, aa – slight marbling, aaa – modest marbling 

Fleckvieh x Holstein crossbred steer – With rising feed grain prices 

feed conversion becomes an even more important trait. 

Fleckvieh x Holstein crossbreds on the Haustein Dairy grow faster 

and have a higher slaughter weight than the crossbreds between 

beef breeds. 

casses potentially falling to USDA 

select. 

The primary difference is seen in 

the number of days on feed. Data 

from Europe and other feedlots 

also in the US are consistently 

showing that Fleckvieh crossbreds 

will require 100 to 140 days less on 

feed to finish with equal or greater 

railgrade weight.This is why many 

of our customers using Fleckvieh 

are seeing premiums for the 

crossbred bull calves. Favourable 

growth rates and feed conversion 

are also evident in the heifer rearing 

programs.

Fleckvieh in Canada

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