EN
The aim of the study was to examine difficult calving frequency and the influence of cow body weight, calving number, as well as calf sex and body weight at birth on the course of calving of Simmental cows (meat type). The data from the official beef recording scheme concerning 1488 calvings over a 3-year period (2000-2002) constituted the material for the research. Frequency of calvings classified as difficult (with use of mechanical jacks or veterinary doctor assistance) was low - 1.2%. Each of the considered factors, i.e. calf sex and body weight at birth, cow body weight and calving number, influenced the course of calving of Simmental cows, but only in the case of cow body weight and calving number (P ≤ 0.05) was it significant. Beside other Simmental breed advantages, the calving ease that was proved in this study suggests that further breeding development of these cattle in Poland is viable.