10/20/05 Swiss cattle ranching

Switzerland Rancher I know this is the American Rancher program, but today I'm going to tell you about some Switzerland ranchers. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back. I found an article in Beef Magazine the other day about a tradition carried on by Swiss cattle producers I had never heard ofcow fighting. This is not like bullfighting or the running of the bulls where humans and animals are involved; this traditional battle to become "Queen" cow is strictly between cows. The picture with the article reminded me of two Sumo wrestlers, all decked out in wide leather neck- straps and large bells. The fighting mainly consists of pushing and shoving. The cows are Eringers; a breed known for their aggressiveness toward one another, but relatively docile around humans. While the tradition is centuries old, actual competition was organized in 1923. This breed naturally fights to set a pecking order in the herd and determine a queen cow, and then the fighting is over. In competitive matches cows are grouped and winners move up in brackets. Contests are viewed by paying fans and some are even televised. One Swiss cattleman says he makes more money with his fighters than selling meat or milk. Any cow that doesn't show an inclination to fight is allowed to leave the contest. Animal activists in Europe seem to overlook the contests since the breed is naturally aggressive. They are more concerned about the cattle's welfare at their home locations. I need to borrow one of these cows to explain herd etiquette to a couple of our cows. I'm Jeff Keane. Beef October 2005