How to Identify Brown Swiss Cows

Brown Swiss cows are a breed of dairy cattle. They are the second-greatest milk producers in the world, and their milk makes excellent cheese. The Brown Swiss was bred in the harsh climate of the Swiss Alps and was imported to the United States in the 1800s.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at the general description of a Brown Swiss cow. They are very large and hardy with large furry ears. This strain was bred for size specifically to differentiate them from Jersey cows.

2. Study the history of the Brown Swiss. Large cattle were brought in from Germany to increase the size of the native Swiss cattle. By 1860, Swiss cattle were significantly larger and predominately chestnut to dull black. They were exported to the United States in 1869 and declared a dairy breed in 1906.

3. Learn the characteristics of the Brown Swiss. They are very hardy and have good resistance to extremes of hot and cold in addition to many other cattle problems.

4. Observe the feet and legs of the Brown Swiss. They have hard, black feet that connect to well-structured legs.

5. Consider the temperament of the Brown Swiss. They are well-known for their extremely docile temperament and quiet nature. Brown Swiss cows are long-lived and reach their production peak at the fifth lactation or later. They frequently remain productive until they are 12 to 15 years old.

Resources

• Learn more about Brown Swiss cows.