Braunvieh History

The Braunvieh is a very docile, long-bodied well-muscled animal with correct feet and legs, a hallmark of the breed. Associated with the Swiss Alps--namely, the Brown Swiss, the Braunvieh is the beef branch of this ancient breed of cattle. This does not suggest impurity any more than Scotch Shorthorn or Red Angus do to their respective relatives. In Canada, Braunvieh are referred to as Beef Brown Swiss and are registered separately from Dairy Brown Swiss.

A relatively new arrival to the United States beef industry, this large beef breed is the product of hundreds of years of selection for beef traits and milking ability--a very good combination. In Switzerland over the past 75 years, the Braunvieh, unlike Simmentals and other European breeds, did not experience fluctuations in height selection. They have been bred constantly and consistently.

Recently, archaeologists have found cattle bones among the ruins of the ancient Swiss Lake Dwellers similar to those of the present day Brown Swiss. This would date these cattle in the region to the Bronze Age.

The Braunvieh breed association in the United States was organized and incorporated in 1984. Braunviehs were first imported into the United States in 1983. Harlan Doeschot was the first to import full-blood Braunviehs from Switzerland. His first importation included three bulls and one female.

The Braunvieh Association of America has a breeding-up program in progress. For up to date, statistics please contact The Braunvieh Association of America at:

3815 Touzalin, Suite 103
Lincoln, NE 68507-1600
Phone: 402/466-3292
Fax: 402/466-3293