Animals
A wide range of animals live on Swiss farms: cows, pigs, fowl, goats and sheep, but also exotic animals such as alpacas and water buffaloes contribute to a multi-faceted agriculture. Farm animals are an integral part of Swiss agriculture; they make an important contribution to our effective land utilisation. What is more, slurry and manure help nourish agricultural plant cultures.
The cow – the perfect Swiss animal
Switzerland has some of the strictest animal protection laws in the world. What is more, many farmers participate in a host of voluntary animal welfare and label schemes. There are many regions in our country where arable farming or fruit cultivation are impossible. However, the grassland in the hills is perfectly suited for pastoral farming of cows, sheep or goats, who transform the tasty grass into tasty meat or milk. At the same time, the animals prevent scrub encroachment in alpine regions and thus maintain the typical Swiss scenery.
The cow is the closest there is to a national animal. It is at home in every region of Switzerland. The diversity of the cattle breeds is imprressive: Braunvieh, Holstein and Swiss Fleckvieh cattle are the most well-known breeds of dairy cow. In suckler cow husbandry, special breeds of beef cattle are used. Dual-purpose breeds are used for both meat and milk. The Simmentaler, which is bred across the globe, is one example.
Animal diversity on the farms
To only think of cows when speaking of Swiss agriculture would be wrong, however. Domestic fowl for the production of eggs and poultry meat as well as pigs, goats and sheep are also common farm animals.
There are various local breeds such as the Valais Blackneck goat or the Engadine sheep. Some of these country breeds are at risk of extinction. Various committed breeders are doing their best to ensure their continued existence in Switzerland.
In addition, farmers keep animals you might not expect on a local farm: deer, llamas, quails, ostriches and even camels. Some farmers have found a niche by specialising in fish farming, while others produce unusual products such as horse milk.
Animals of great importance to agriculture are, of course, bees. Swiss bee keepers keep as many as 65,000 bee colonies. They pollinate the crops and enable the production of fruit and vegetables. In addition to this important function as farmers’ helpers, they also produce delicious honey.
