Brown Swiss Cow Facts

Brown Swiss cows are a breed of dairy cow native to Switzerland. This breed is popular in many countries around the world including the United States. Brown Swiss cows are large and heavy-boned. They are usually light or dark brown in color, though they are sometimes gray. Brown Swiss cows are known for their high-quality milk, which is rich in protein and often used to make cheese. Brown Swiss cows often wear cow bells around their necks so that herders can locate them in the heavy fog.

  1. History

    • Brown Swiss cows are thought to be the oldest breed of dairy cow in the world. They were first bred in the mountainous regions of northeastern Switzerland. Cattle bones similar to the modern brown Swiss cow have been found that date as far back as 4,000 BC. The Brown Swiss was officially declared a breed of dairy cow in 1906.

    Milk

    • Many cheese makers around the world use Brown Swiss cow milk to make cheese. Brown Swiss cow milk is high in protein, which makes it desirable to cheese makers. Brown Swiss cow milk has about 3.5 percent protein and 4 percent butterfat. After Holsteins, Brown Swiss cows produce the largest amount of milk per year.

    Adaptability

    • Brown Swiss cattle are known to thrive in many different whether conditions. Because they are native to the Swiss Alps, Brown Swiss cows are used in harsh winter climates, but they can also do well in warmer weather. Brown Swiss cattle herds are found in hot climates such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic, as well as colder climates throughout Europe and the northern United States. Brown Swiss cattle herds are common in Ohio, Iowa and Wisconsin.

    Hardiness

    • Aside from their protein-rich milk and ability to adapt to different weather conditions, the Brown Swiss cow is also popular because of its hardiness and longevity. Brown Swiss cattle are known to live and reproduce longer than many other breeds of cattle. Because of this, they are able to produce large amounts of milk during their lifetime. There are about 7 million Brown Swiss cows in the world today, making them one of the most populous breeds of dairy cow.

    Introduction to America

    • Brown Swiss cattle were first introduced to the United States in 1869 by Henry M. Clark of Massachusetts. He brought one bull (named William Tell) and seven cows from Switzerland. Several more Brown Swiss cattle were brought to the United States in 1882 and again in 1906. Though not many cows were brought from Switzerland to America, the breed was able to reproduce and thrive in the new environment.