The cow as ambassador of Switzerland

The cow, is a symbol in Switzerland and can be found everywhere in different forms: in addition to seeing it grazing a bit ‘everywhere in the typical Swiss landscapes, we find it in stores in the form of souvenirs, in many paintings, in many advertisements, or in the form of toy …

Switzerland is home to nearly 1.4 million cattle, including about 700,000 cows and the same number of calves, bulls and steers.

Today, the majority of Swiss cattle belong to two breeds: the spotted red Simmental (46%) and the brown Alpine or Swiss Brown (41%).

There are different breeds, classified according to utility into “dairy breeds”, “beef breeds” and “dual-purpose breeds” i.e. suitable for both milk and meat production.

In 2018, at the exhibition “Bestially Swiss”, the Swiss National Museum in Zurich presented the cow as one of the four “ambassadors” from the animal world along with the St. Bernard dog, the marmot and the ibex, as representatives of the Swiss identity.

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But let’s get to know better the cows that populate the meadows and pastures of the Swiss Confederation:

The Brown cattle

Originally from central Switzerland, the brown cattle “Braunvieh” is a robust cow appreciated abroad for its nutritious and substantial milk.

This is a dual-purpose cow that is suitable for both milk and meat production and centuries ago began to be exported to other countries in the Alps and even in the United States where the Brown Swiss breed was born.

The Tyrolean Grey

Friesian (Holstein)

Hérens and Evolène

The Hérens and the Évolène are two distinct breeds: scientific studies have shown that these breeds, contrary to others, did not arrive in Switzerland with the Celts, but came from Italy at an earlier time.

These cows are robust and frugal, and are particularly suited to grazing on steep alpine meadows.

The Hérens, is a mountain breed originally from the Valais region that enjoys particular consideration in Switzerland. It has a dark brown or black coat, and imposing horns: it has a combative temperament, which it often displays in duels held to establish a hierarchy. Clashes occur naturally within the herd.In Valais and Aosta Valley (Italy), tournaments are organized according to age and weight.

The Évolène is a dual-purpose breed with a reddish or black coat and carries a white star on its forehead typical of the breed. Its tail, belly, legs and back may also show white spots. It has an excellent resistance, good milk production and very good slaughtering performance.

Highlander

Charolais

Limousin

Originally from southwestern France, it is a beef breed with a red to wheat colored coat with characteristic lightening on the eyes, mouth and feet. In Switzerland, it is bred everywhere.

Angus

Native to northeastern Scotland, it is a naturally hornless meat breed with a black or red coat of medium size and high meat yield. In Switzerland there are about 15,000 examples.

Rare Swiss cattle breeds

In Switzerland there are 35 documented breeds, of which only 5 have survived: the Original Swiss Brown Swiss, the Swiss Simmental, the Hérens and Evolène cattle and the Rhaetian Grey cattle.

These last two breeds, together with the Hinterwald cattle, are protected by ProSpecieRara because they are threatened with extinction.

The Hinterwald cattle is the smallest dual-purpose cattle breed in Central Europe and originates from the Black Forest. These cattle are mainly found in central Switzerland, in the Emmental and in the Bernese Oberland. They are long-lived, hardy, and the fattening calves have a good slaughter yield and fine-fibered meat. They also have an excellent milk yield.

The Rhaetian Grey cattle is a dual-purpose breed. In the past it was widespread in the Graubünden Alps, but with the establishment of the Brown Swiss cow, the Rhaetian disappeared from Swiss territory. Fortunately, a small number of animals remained in the Tyrol (Austria) and in 1985 ProSpecieRara and a few enthusiastic breeders succeeded in reintroducing this species into the Swiss landscape.

The Evolène cow is a dual-purpose breed native to the Valais region with good stamina and longevity that offers good milk production and an excellent slaughter yield. Today these cows can be found in the Upper Valais, Bernese and other regions of Switzerland.

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Mountain pasture and transhumance

The alpine pasture begins in the summer from May/June and has very ancient origins in Switzerland, where it seems that already in 4000 B.C. people used the pastures beyond the border of the forest until the end of September/October, when the herds are brought back to the valley for purely climatic reasons. The mountain grass and the good air allow the cows to become stronger and more resistant to infections and to provide excellent milk to produce the delicious alpine cheeses.

The production of cheese during the summer was used to preserve the milk and to stock up for the winter months.

The descent from the mountain pastures is one of the most famous alpine feasts to which are dedicated great celebrations. For the occasion, the animals are adorned with wreaths of flowers and cowbells and also the farmers march in traditional costumes leading the cattle through the streets of the village until they reach the “winter” stables. Often in the villages are organized markets and / or local festivals where you can taste and buy cheese and other local products, listen to music and traditional songs etc..

Cowbells date back to the beginnings of the practice of cattle breeding: this showed that the animal was domesticated and was not exclusive to cows but was also used for horses, goats, etc. The sound of cowbells also makes it easier for the shepherd to find the cattle in the fog, at night, or on hilly pastures. The regular sound of the cowbells highlights the calmness of the herd while a sudden ringing signals danger.