Braunvieh History

The roots of Brown Swiss cattle date back to 800BC. Braunvieh (“brown cow” in German) originate from Switzerland where the Brown Swiss was developed intensively in the 18th century as dual purpose dairy and beef cattle. Approximately 130 head of Brown Swiss cattle were imported from Switzerland to the United States between 1869 and 1880 to form the basis of the American Brown Swiss dairy breed. The first Brown Swiss bull selected solely for beef (Aron) arrived in Canada in 1968 and, together with 61 additional live animals imported over the next 17 years, formed the basis of the Braunvieh beef herds in Canada. To date, European Brown Swiss have been imported to over 60 countries from the Arctic Circle to the tropics and 42 countries have established Breeding Herdbook Associations.

Braunvieh cattle range in colour from a light grey-brown to dark brown with dark pigment around the eyes, in the muzzle, hooves, and switch of the tail. Light shades of beige are found around the muzzle, the udder, inside of the legs and underparts, and often along a dorsal stripe. Bulls are darker in colour than cows. Braunvieh have a straight topline, deep chest, and wide hind quarters with well muscled, strong legs. Their temperament is very quiet. Finally, Braunvieh are of a moderate size: females weigh 540-675 kg (1200-1500 lbs) while bulls weigh 945-1125 kg (2100-2500 lbs).

Braunvieh perform well under comparative testing and are renowned for the following qualities:

· Adaptability to extreme climates

· Longevity

· Early puberty

· Strong legs and feet

· Docility

· Dark hooves

· Ease of calving

· Fertility

· High feed conversion

· High protein quality milk

· High daily gain