Why Brown Swiss?

LONGEVITY

Longevity, which is one of the features of the Brown Swiss breed and an important sign of animal well-being, has always been one of the Brown Swiss selection goals. Most of the type traits, typical for the Brown Swiss breed are the basis for a long productive and reproductive career.

Animal Well-Being

Over 50% of the cows in a Brown Swiss herd have calved three times or more. In fact, some cows have calved ten times or more. Even the cows from intensive herds calve three times in the average. Besides being a source of income for the breeders, this is also a sign of the well- being of the animals.

Selection Goal

The productive and reproductive life of the cows has always been one of the main selection goals of the Brown Swiss breeders because it reduces the need of herd replacements and allows the sale of the breeding heifers.

Long Productive and Reproductive Life

Many of the type traits have been selected and consolidated to give to the Brown Swiss cows a long productive and reproductive life. Scientifi c research has shown that some type and functional traits that are typical of the breed are closely connected with longevity. For example: a quite high and well attached udder with neatly perpendicular teats, functional feet and legs as well as a rump sloping towards the back.

Over 50% of the cows in a Brown Swiss herd have calved three times or more. In fact, some cows have calved ten times or more.