Charolais vs Simmental
Charolais or Simmental? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Charolais | Simmental | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Beef | Beef, some dairy |
| Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Mature weight | Cows 1,400–1,800 lb | Cows 1,300–1,600 lb |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 15–20 years |
| Temperament | Calm, can be protective | Generally docile |
| Best fit | Crossbreeding, feeder calves | Crossbreeding, maternal herds |
| Docility | ●●●●● Varies by line | ●●●●● Docility EPD tracked |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Needs good feed | ●●●●● Needs good forage |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Big frame, big appetite | ●●●●● Heavy milker, eats more |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Better with experience | ●●●●● Fine with good feed |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: the Simmental rates higher than the Charolais (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Hardiness: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the Simmental rates higher than the Charolais (3 of 5 vs 2).
The Charolais
Charolais are large, white cattle from central France, bred for size and muscle. They are used most often as terminal sires on commercial cows, adding weight and growth to the calves you sell.
Big calves can mean hard pulls, especially on heifers. Mature cows eat more than moderate breeds, and the pale coat shows dirt in show pens.
The Simmental
Simmental come from the Swiss Alps as a dual-purpose milk and beef breed. In the US they are a growthy, maternal beef cow with plenty of milk, often crossed with Angus to make SimAngus.
Heavy milk production needs feed to back it up, or cows lose condition. Frame size varies widely between old and modern lines.
Questions
Is a Charolais or a Simmental better for a beginner?
The Simmental rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). Charolais: Better with experience. Simmental: Fine with good feed.
What is the main difference between a Charolais and a Simmental?
Big calves can mean hard pulls, especially on heifers. Mature cows eat more than moderate breeds, and the pale coat shows dirt in show pens. By contrast, heavy milk production needs feed to back it up, or cows lose condition. Frame size varies widely between old and modern lines.