Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-01-03
Brown Swiss

been famous as dairying country for
some centuries. 1t is especially noted
for cheese, and it is said that seventeen
different kinds are regularly exported
to other countries. Two distinct races
Of cattle contribute to these products,
and both are excellent dairy animals.
In many respects they, are unequal,sd
by any of the other breeds Of conti-
mental Europe.
The Brown Swiss is the breed better
known in the United States. 1t is
called also Brown Switzer, but more
properly Brown schwzer, from the
Canton Schwyz, where the breed orig
mated or, at least, has been bred long
est and is still found of truest type. It
is now common to the other cantons of
eastern and central Switzerland and has
fine reputation throughout Europe.
These cattle have been especially sue.
cessful ss prize winners at Paris, Ham,
burg, and other large exhibitions Of
live stock.
The first pure-bred animals of this
breed brought to the United States COM
prised one bull and seven heifers,
imported from the Canton Schwyz to
Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1869.
1t was till 1881 or 1882 that other i'm
portations were made, hut meanwhile
this first little herd had been kept pure
and had increased to nearly two hun
dred in number. During the years 1882
and 1883 several importations were
made and there have been number
since. Where they have become known
these cattle have made favorable i'm
preston among, dairymen, and herds Of
different sizes can now be found in
states of all parts of the Union.
Characteristics Brown Swiss
may be placed in the second class as to
size among the distinctly dairy breeds.
They are substantial, fleshy, and well
proportioned, with very straight, broad
back, heavy legs and neck, giving a
general appearance of coarseness. But
when examined they are found to be
small -boned for their size and to possess
q fine, silky coat, and rich, elastic skin,
with other attractive dairy points. AL.
though generally described as being
brown in color, the brown runs through
various shades and often into q mouse
color and sometimes q brownish dun
especially for the saddle or body. Head
neck, legs, and quarters are usually
darkest in color, often almost black
The nose, tongue, hoofs, and switch arr
quite black. Characteristic markings
of the breed include q mealy bant
around the muzzle, with light strips
across the lips and up the sides of th'
nostrils, q light-colored tuft of hair be
tween the horns, and light-coloret
stripe extending all the way along tn
back of the tail. The eyes are full ant
mild, but bright, usually black. Th
horns rather small, white, waxy. curv
ing forward and inward, with blacl
tips. The ears are large, round, AM
lined with long silky hair, light in colol
The barrel of the body is large and vel
rounded. The udder and tests ar
large, well formed and white. witt
milk veins very prominent. The COW
often carry remarkably well-shaped ct
cutcheons. The animals of herd ar
i generally even in appearance, shown
. careful breeding extending throug
8 many generations. Bulls and COWS al
9 alike dociie and easily managed. Th
COWS are SO plump and compact as I
appear smaller than they really ar,
8 Mature animals weigh from 1900 t
400 pounds, and often more; bulls ru
: up to 1900 pounds and over, yet al
II not so much heavier than the female
4 as in most breeds. These cattle 81
q extremely hardy and very active fl
!. their size, being necessarily goc
mountain cltmbsess In. thsis. natl,