Pustertaler Sprinzen
Back to the future.
Pustertaler cattle originate from an area in South Tyrol that includes the Pustertal and its tributary valleys.
The origins of the Pustertaler, commonly known as Schecken or Sprinzen, date back to 1700. In the past the Pustertaler was highly esteemed for its milk and meat quality.
The Pustertaler were the most productive breed in the alpine region and even in the whole Austro-Hungarian monarchy as far as milk and beef performance are concerned.
Circumstances which are hard to imagine nearly led to the extinction of this dual purpose breed that was once so famous. Due to the traditional mentality of the farmers in the Pustertal and thanks to the work of some enthusiasts we are lucky to have at least some animals of this breed left. Nowadays the future of the Pustertaler seems to be guaranteed.
The name Schecken or Sprinzen the Pustertaler owe to the color distribution on the body of the animals. It can be noted that the color can be black and white or red and white. The typical color patches can be extensive or spotted. They are called Schecken if patches are extensive, and Sprinzen if patches are spotted.
The Pustertaler were the most productive breed in the alpine region and even in the whole Austro-Hungarian monarchy as far as milk and beef performance are concerned.
Circumstances which are hard to imagine nearly led to the extinction of this dual purpose breed that was once so famous. Due to the traditional mentality of the farmers in the Pustertal and thanks to the work of some enthusiasts we are lucky to have at least some animals of this breed left. Nowadays the future of the Pustertaler seems to be guaranteed.
The name Schecken or Sprinzen the Pustertaler owe to the color distribution on the body of the animals. It can be noted that the color can be black and white or red and white. The typical color patches can be extensive or spotted. They are called Schecken if patches are extensive, and Sprinzen if patches are spotted.
Renaissance through product quality:
In recent years the breed Pustertaler Sprinzen acquired great popularity again and is widely appreciated in upscale gastronomy. And this not without reason: The Pustertaler is being attributed to a very good fattening performance and at the same time an excellent meat quality. DNA analysis of the breed Pustertaler Sprinzen showed that the meat in terms of marbling and tenderness is equivalent or even superior to breeds like Black Angus, Wagyu and Shorthorn.
In recent years the breed Pustertaler Sprinzen acquired great popularity again and is widely appreciated in upscale gastronomy. And this not without reason: The Pustertaler is being attributed to a very good fattening performance and at the same time an excellent meat quality. DNA analysis of the breed Pustertaler Sprinzen showed that the meat in terms of marbling and tenderness is equivalent or even superior to breeds like Black Angus, Wagyu and Shorthorn.
