Harzer Rotvieh

Harzer Rotvieh is an old red cattle type from the Harz Mountains and surrounding uplands of Germany. The name means Harz red cattle, and in modern conservation it may be discussed alongside, or within, the wider Rotes Höhenvieh tradition of German red upland cattle. These cattle were historically multipurpose farm animals, giving milk, meat, manure, and traction for small mountain holdings. They are usually solid red, medium sized, and practical in build, with strong feet and a constitution suited to rougher pasture and cool, changeable weather.

Today the breed is mainly relevant to rare-breed keepers, landscape grazing projects, and farms that value hardy regional cattle over maximum output. Harzer Rotvieh can work well on upland grass and hay-based systems, provided winter housing or shelter is available during harsh weather. Milk yield and carcass growth depend heavily on line and management, so they should not be bought on color alone. Conservation breeders place weight on documented ancestry, avoiding casual crossbreeding with modern red dairy or beef cattle that would erase the old regional type.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow