Learn more about Brown Swiss and the other major dairy cattle breeds in the United States.
Have you ever looked at a dairy cow and wondered about the history of the breed? This series from Michigan State University Extension will explore the history of the seven major breeds of dairy cattle in the U.S. Holstein cattle were the first in the series, followed by Jerseys, Ayrshires and Guernseys, and now we turn to the Brown Swiss.
Brown Swiss cattle are thought to be one of the oldest dairy breeds in the world. These cattle originated in the Swiss Alps, a mountain range that covers more than half of Switzerland’s surface area. The terrain varies greatly in the mountains with areas that are rocky, numerous lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. These variances can present challenges to raising animals, but Brown Swiss cattle have adapted very well to the geography. These cattle are also noted for their adaptability to differing climates, being popular in both North and South America, as well as the Middle East. This breed of cattle is able to withstand hot and cold climates while still maintaining a high level of production.
Brown Swiss cattle can be a variety of colors, ranging from very light silver to very dark gray. Their muzzle, hooves and switch (hair at the end of the tail) is usually black. This breed of cattle is known for their strong legs and feet and overall structural correctness, which means they generally have a long, productive lifespan on a dairy farm. Brown Swiss are one of the largest bodied dairy breeds, with a mature cow weighing 1,300-1,400 pounds and a mature bull weighing as much as 2,000 pounds.
The fat to protein ratio in Brown Swiss milk is ideal for cheese, thus making them one of the most popular breeds around the world for cheese making. The average Brown Swiss cow will produce over 22,000 pounds of milk, or about 2,600 gallons of milk, during one lactation. Brown Swiss are often noted for having a docile and calm temperament.
Wisconsin, Ohio and Iowa presently boast the largest Brown Swiss populations in the United States, but they can be found all over the country. This breed was initially imported to the U.S. in 1869, with several additional importations occurring in subsequent years for a total of about 150 animals imported from Switzerland, creating the base of herds across the U.S.
For more information about the breed, check out these Brown Swiss organizations around the world: Brown Swiss Association, Canadian Brown Swiss and Braunvieh Association, United Kingdom Brown Swiss Cattle Society, European Brown Swiss Federation and Oklahoma State University Brown Swiss Cattle.
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FAQs
The Brown Swiss or American Brown Swiss is an American breed of dairy cattle. It derives from the traditional triple-purpose Braunvieh ("Swiss Brown") of the Alpine region of Europe, but has diverged substantially from it. It was selectively bred for dairy qualities only, and its draft and beef capabilities were lost.
Which breed is now known as the Brown Swiss dairy breed responses? ›
Braunvieh was an extremely good milking beef breed and, many years ago, some animal breeders selected the best milking Braunvieh and began breeding these selected individuals for milk production. After many generations the dairy type was developed, and thus the Brown Swiss dairy cattle.
What is the history of the Swiss cow? ›
The Brown Swiss Cattle breed originated in the mountain tops of northeast Switzerland before historic records began. Bones found in the ruins of Swiss lake dwellers date back to around 4000 B.C., according to some historians, and resemble the skeleton of today's Brown Swiss cow.
What are some fun facts about Brown Swiss dairy cattle? ›
Brown Swiss are known for their docile, friendly disposition. A Wisconsin youth leads his heifers from pasture. If you lead one, usually the rest will follow. On average, Brown Swiss cows weigh about 1300-1400 pounds, while bulls weigh almost 2000 pounds!
What is the Brown Swiss known for? ›
Brown Swiss are one of the largest bodied dairy breeds, with a mature cow weighing 1,300-1,400 pounds and a mature bull weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. The fat to protein ratio in Brown Swiss milk is ideal for cheese, thus making them one of the most popular breeds around the world for cheese making.
What is the oldest dairy cow breed? ›
Characteristics: The Brown Swiss is considered the oldest of the dairy breeds. Brown Swiss can vary in color, from silver to dark brown, and are large with large ears. Their milk is ideal for making cheese because of its high protein-to-fat ratio.
What are the pros and cons of the Brown Swiss cow? ›
Pros: Brown Swiss are strong, solid breeders, robust, adaptable and live a long time. They are a good choice for both meat and dairy farms and provide good yields of both. Cons: They do take longer to mature. Make sure that you are getting them from a good source and they are not a freemartin.
Is Brown Swiss a good milk cow? ›
German Brown Swiss are specialized dairy cows with an outstanding lifetime milk production. The breed perfectly balances milk quantity and quality. Milk from Brown Swiss cattle has high butterfat content (>4%) and is high in protein (3.5 to 3.8%) making Brown Swiss the N°1 breed for protein in Germany.
What are the cons of the Brown Swiss cow? ›
Genetic Conditions. Four genetic abnormalities have been observed in Brown Swiss: Weaver, Spiderleg, Spinal Dysmyelination and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The breed also has one lethal haplotype, BH2. Genetic conditions are noted on registration papers and pedigrees to assist breeders in mating decisions.
Who founded the Brown Swiss? ›
The first importation of Brown Swiss cattle to the United States was in 1869. The importer was Henry M. Clark of Belmont, Massachusetts. His imported bull was recorded in the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association (formed in 1880 in Worcester, Massachusetts) as William Tell 1.
The Brown Swiss Cattle, as we are familiar with it in the United States presently, originated in the cantons of Lucerne, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Glarus, Zug, and Zurich of Switzerland.
What is the oldest cow in history? ›
The oldest age recorded for a cow was 48 years and 9 months for Big Bertha (1944–93), a Dremon owned by Jerome O'Leary of Blackwatersbridge, Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record.
How much is a Brown Swiss cow worth? ›
2022 Sale Averages
| Sale Name | Date | BS Sale Avg |
|---|
| Mid-Atlantic Calf Sale | 4/23/2022 | $2,660.00 |
| Born to Show Sale | 4/23/2022 | $3,100.00 |
| Cobleskill Dairy Fashion Sale All breeds | 4/30/2022 | $1,862.50 |
| The Breeder's Touch II Sale | 4/30/2022 | $6,660.00 |
39 more rowsOct 4, 2023
Brown Swiss cows are good, persistent milkers, producing milk of average butterfat content as compared with other breeds of dairy cattle. This breed has found favour in Italy, Austria, Hungary, the United States, Mexico, and the South American countries. Brown Swiss were first introduced into the U.S. in 1869.
How tall do Brown Swiss cows get? ›
The ideal full-grown Brown Swiss cow has a cross height of approx. 142cm - 154cm and a weight of over 600kg.
Where was the Brown Swiss dairy breed developed? ›
The Brown Swiss originated in the cantons (states) of Schwyz, Zug, St. Gallen, Glarus, Lucerne, and Zurich in Switzerland. It became a prominent breed during the middle of the nineteenth century although its origin may have been much earlier.
When were Brown Swiss cows brought to America? ›
The first recorded Brown Swiss cattle to be introduced into American were brought in by Henry M. Clark of Belmont, Massachusetts, in the winter of 1869 and 1870. This first importation consisted of one bull and seven pregnant females.
When did the Brown Swiss Association begin? ›
U.S. Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association
Formed September 8, 1880, by a small group of Brown Swiss breeders in Worcester, Massachusetts. First recorded Swiss imported from Switzerland in 1869-1870 by Henry M. Clark of Belmont, Massachusetts: 1 bull and 7 females.
What is the origin of the dairy cow? ›
Holstein cows originated in the Netherlands approximately 2,000 years ago. Two breeds of cattle, black animals from the Batavians (present-day Germany) and white animals from the Friesians (present-day Holland), were crossed to create a new breed of cattle.
