39 beef cattle breeds
for greater biodiversity

Inspiration through diversity

From world-famous to rare and local to international – each breed has its own strengths and special characteristics.

Opportunities through genetic diversity

The Beef Cattle Switzerland herd book lists 39 beef cattle breeds for suckler cow husbandry. The colourful diversity of breeds creates a broad base and therefore better chances of adapting to changing environmental conditions, resisting disease and surviving in the long term. The diversity of the breeds strengthens the stability of ecosystems and ensures the conservation of endangered species.

The herdbook with its list of healthy breeds suited to various local environmental conditions

The herd book is an index of beef cattle in Switzerland. It contains information on the parentage and traits of the animals. The aim is to produce resilient, robust animals that are fully adapted to the environmental conditions in Switzerland.

Discover our beef cattle breeds – from A for Angus to Z for zebu.

Angus

Once legendary, today world-famous with the coat colour as a brand

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Aubrac

The French lady with the pretty eyes

You could actually think the animals were made up.

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Bazadaise

The breed with a festival (almost) to itself

Bazadaise haben ihren Ursprung im Südwesten Frankreichs.

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Blonde d'Aquitaine

Blonde beauties from Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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Braunvieh or Brown cows

A Swiss ‘product’ found all over the world

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Charolais

White muscle mass from the central-east of France

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Dahomey

Much more than just food for predators

Die Zwergrinderrasse hat ihren Ursprung im afrikanischen Benin, in einer Region, die früher zum gleichnamigen Königreich Dahomey gehört.

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Dexter

Small, robust and not to be underestimated

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Evolène

Descendants of the first cattle in Switzerland

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Galloway

Weatherproof and suitable for grazing thanks to thick, curly coat

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Gasconne

Silver-gray fur and black eye rings give the Gasconne its distinctive, noble expression

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Gelbvieh

A rare splash of colour

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Hereford suckler cow with calf
The Herefords‘ coat colours are unmistakable: dark red-brown coat, white head. The neck, breast, belly and switch are also white. A white neck is desirable. (Photo: Walter Fässler)

Hereford

Undemanding and calm all over the world

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