Cattle breeds
The Rhaetian Grey

The Rhaetian Grey cattle are back

The Rhaetian Grey has been back in Switzerland since the 1980s and even acknowledged as a separate breed since 2021. As the small-framed grey cow with finely curved horns produced too little milk, it began to be replaced in this country by the Swiss Brown during the 1920s. Fortunately though, some of the animals had previously been sold to neighbouring countries, so from 1985 onwards, it was possible to buy back animals that corresponded to the old Swiss line. That marked the start of conservation breeding in Switzerland, with support from the foundation ProSpecieRara and enthusiastic breeders.

From dairy cow to brood cow

So what characterises the Rhaetian Grey? According to Franz Emmenegger, President of the breeding association Rätisches Grauvieh Schweiz, one thing is clear: It is not just its small frame, grey coat and beautiful horns.

Alongside its good qualities as a dairy, suckler and working cow, the Rhaetian Grey is often used for landscape conservation or even therapeutic purposes. Much of the Rhaetian Grey population, which is still small, lives on ProSpecieRara’s so-called ‘ark farms’, many of which welcome visitors: The intention is not only to enable the Rhaetian Grey to thrive, but also to enable people to experience it! You will find more information at www.raetischesgrauvieh.ch.