Sustainable. Holistic. Future-oriented.

Organic cattle breeding

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.

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 (RZÖko).

 

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.

Zweinutzung bei Rindern
Foto: Dr. Carsten Scheper

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.

Calves
Foto: Dr. Carsten Scheper
Tierwohl Rind Holsteins
Foto: Dr. Crasten Scheper

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.

climate & grassland
Photo: Eva Wolf

We are on hand with help and advice 

CONTACT

Dr. Carsten Scheper - Geschäftsführung und Leitung Rinderzucht

Dr. Carsten Scheper 

General Management cattle breeding 

 

Office: +49 (0) 2802 599 151 2

Mobile: +49 (0) 151 507 594 22

Mail: carsten.scheper@oekotierzucht.de

 

Mabelle Tacke 

 Advisory Cattle Breeding I Project Hornkuh

 

Mobile: +49 (0) 151 625 591 88

Mail: mabelle.tacke@oekotierzucht.de

Mabelle Tacke