Organic cattle breeding

Sustainable. Holistic. Future-oriented.

Organic cattle breeding

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

In organic cattle breeding, we focus on diversity - in line with the numerous cattle breeds and different farming systems in organic agriculture. Our breeding goal: robust, healthy cows that can cope optimally with regional feed and impress with their longevity and dual purpose (milk & meat).

To this end, we create practical solutions such as bull recommendations and the further development of overall ecological breeding values (RZÖko). At the same time, we are shaping a sustainable mission statement and breeding objectives in the advisory board, focusing on breeding topics such as basic feed utilization, health, robustness and dual purpose.

And that is precisely why we are not a traditional breeding company, but a project company. Our focus is on the development of practical solutions and research topics as well as cooperation with existing breeding organizations and structures. We see ourselves as an interface for farmers, breeding organizations and research institutions.

Because we are convinced that only cooperation will get us further. Together, we create structures for sustainable and holistic organic cattle farming.

Practical information for the practice

Our offer for the organic cattle breeding

Organic breeding values

Everything you need to know about total organic breeding values - what they are and what they mean.

to the breeding values

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

Bull recommendation

Looking for the right insemination bull? Our recommendations for Black & Red, Simmental and Brown Swiss cattle will help you.

to the recommendations

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

Breeding animal brokerage

We support you in selecting the best breeding animals and accompany you in the further development of your herd.

to the brokerage

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

Operating Network

Benefit from the exchange of knowledge on the subject of breeding and cooperation with other farms.

Foto: ÖTZ

Expertise & advisory

Together we will define your individual breeding goals and help you with challenges in breeding and husbandry.

Foto: Jana Dehnen

News aus der Rinderzucht

Aktuelle Themen und Beiträge

BIO-RINDERZUCHT UND BIO-KB STIERE PROJEKT

Bio-Rinderzucht FiBL-Exkursion

28. May 2025

FiBL Exkursion zu Bio-Rinderzucht und BIO-KB Stiere Projekt vom 12. – 14. August 2025 in der Schweiz.
Anmeldung ab sofort möglich.
Gefördert durch die Software AG Stiftung

Projekt WSNuKa

WSNuKa – Bio-Nutzkälber in die Bio-Wertschöpfungskette integrieren

27. April 2025

Ein Projekt zur Stärkung der ökologischen Verwertung von Milchviehkälbern durch neue Wertschöpfungsketten, bessere Vernetzung und konkrete Unterstützungsstrukturen. Das im Januar 2025 gestartet Projekt ist auf drei Jahre angelegt und wird vom BMEL im Rahmen der Biowertschöpfungsketten-Richtlinie des Bundesprogramms Ökologischer Landbau (BÖL) gefördert.

RZÖko - New breeding value for German Holsteins

8th of August 2023

Neuer ökologische geprägter Gesamtzuchtwert für die Rinderasse Deutsche Holsteins: RZÖKORZÖko stands for Organic Relative Breeding Value in the Holstein-Schwarzbunt and Holstein-Rotbunt breeds. The RZÖko is an overall breeding value that weights the individual traits it contains (e.g. longevity or body condition) and trait complexes (e.g. the complex of health traits in the RZGesund) in the sense of an ecological breeding goal. It thus serves both breeding organizations and practical breeders as a direct selection tool for the systematic realization of an ecological breeding goal. It is comparable to the ÖZW in the Fleckvieh and Braunvieh breeds.

climate & grassland

Biodiversity in grassland also means diversity in the diet of cattle. In this way, ruminants promote climate and biodiversity.

Foto: Eva Wolf | Demeter

Dual-purpose

Beef and cow's milk belong together. This is why dual-purpose cattle are a perfect fit for organic farming

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

Animal welfare

When does a cow feel really comfortable? We show you the main criterion that matters.

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

Calves

Young animals are the breeding animals of tomorrow. But how do we select them and how do we support their development?

Photo: Dr. Carsten Scheper | ÖTZ

The challenges

OUR Tasks

ÖTZ accepts the challenge of tackling the diverse practical and technical issues of cattle breeding. Our goal: to create sustainable structures for organic farmers.

The focus here is on practice-oriented services such as bull recommendations and the further development of overall ecological breeding values (RZÖkoRZÖko stands for Organic Relative Breeding Value in the Holstein-Schwarzbunt and Holstein-Rotbunt breeds. The RZÖko is an overall breeding value that weights the individual traits it contains (e.g. longevity or body condition) and trait complexes (e.g. the complex of health traits in the RZGesund) in the sense of an ecological breeding goal. It thus serves both breeding organizations and practical breeders as a direct selection tool for the systematic realization of an ecological breeding goal. It is comparable to the ÖZW in the Fleckvieh and Braunvieh breeds. ).

We are developing a mission statement that does justice to the diversity of organic cattle breeding - supported by an advisory board of practitioners, consultants and scientists.

Milk or meat? Both!

Dual-purpose

... dairy cattle farming has a hard time here, the meat market is well supplied with beef from suckler cows. When making breeding decisions, dairy farms also have to look more and more at whether the offspring also produce meat, as a pure dairy line is often not economically viable. Organic farming is holistic, which is why the dual-purpose breed fits in well with organic farming.

Strong calves, strong future

Calves

Genetics is important, but not everything. The healthy development of the calves is crucial for the long-term success of breeding. To ensure this, careful rearing is essential - from birth monitoring and colostrum supply to daily observation. This is the only way to lay the foundations for healthy and productive animals.

More than just observation criteria

Animal welfare

Animals that are perfectly suited to their location feel at home. They can make optimum use of the feed and are optimally adapted to the local conditions. By relying on health data and animal observations, we ensure that husbandry, feeding and use are in harmony with the welfare of the animals. And when the animal feels good, the person feels good too and working with the animals is a pleasure. Seeking support to check animal welfare on your own farm demonstrates a sense of responsibility and commitment to yourself, your farm, your animals and the environment.

climate protection on four legs

Climate & Grassland

Biodiversity in grassland also means diversity in the diet of cattle. Ruminants are true wonders of nature - they transform plants that humans cannot eat into valuable foods such as milk and meat. They also make an important contribution to climate protection by promoting CO₂ sequestration in the soil and actively helping to keep grassland healthy. Grazing promotes plant diversity, which in turn strengthens biodiversity. Organically managed grassland is therefore not only a source of food for the animals, but also an essential component of a healthy, climate-friendly agricultural system.