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Special topographic conditions, regional traditions and economic considerations have shaped Swiss livestock breeding and farming. The latest trends over recent years have also fallen on fertile ground in the innovative Swiss farming industry.

Cattle

The dual-purpose breeds (meat and milk production) such as the Brown Swiss or the Simmental Fleckvieh are very common in Switzerland. In recent times, beef cattle have been introduced as the actual fattening breeds (Angus, Limousin, or Charollais). The most common breed is the Angus. There is a special breed of mountain cows particularly suited to the high alpine pastures and most frequently seen in the Canton of Valais: the Herens breed. These cows are well-known above all from the Valais springtime tradition of cow fighting to find the Queen Cow of the Season.

Pigs

At present there are four pig breeds endemic to Switzerland: the Large White, the Swiss Landrace, the Swiss Hampshire and the Swiss Duroc. The main breeds for many decades have been the Large White and the Swiss Landrace but their numbers are continuously sinking.

Poultry

The chicks of imported parent fowl are raised for meat production. In intensive poultry farming the main breed used is the ”Ross“ while in free-range production the «Sasso» or «JA» breeds are predominant.

Sheep

More than half of the sheep kept in Switzerland are White Alpines. The second most predominant breed is the Brown-Headed Meat Sheep. As sheep breeders and farmers increasingly favour meat-producing sheep, such breeds as the Charollais Suisse are becoming more and more popular.

Goats

Swiss goats are well known for their productivity and good health. The Saanen Goat, the Chamois-Coloured Mountain Goat and the Toggenburg Goat are particularly well esteemed. Breeds differ from region to region and include the Appenzell, the Grison’s Striped and the Valais Black Neck Goats.

Other breeds

In view of the saturated markets, many farmers are seeking for alternative production methods. In past years, the farmers have discovered new niches time and again. On the Swiss farmyards you will also today find such exotic animals as deer, ostriches, lamas, Scottish Highland Cattle (or Hairy Coo as they are known at home) and even bison and yaks.

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