I was looking through my 2010 photos and remembered that I had wanted to ask if anyone could tell me anything about this rather unusual cow/bull I saw just outside Saas Fee:


Thanks!

I believe that is an Angus cow/bull ..... from Scotland.

We have a herd of them outside our village and the farmer guy says they are more suited to the weather conditions here in CH - make very good eating apparently.

Is it not a highland cow? seen them before in switzerland

I'm no expert but it looks like a Scottish Highland to me, although a bit dark.

Many thanks, confirms that they are indeed Highland cattle. It also led me to this recent article in SwissInfo: The financial share that chews the cud. From a sidebar in that article:

LOL, many posts crossed. If I remember rightly Aberdeen Angus are jet black.

Scottish Highland

DoB: 7-11-2009
Name: Ürsel
Favorite food: English tourists
Favorite color: Green
Favorite TV show: Bonanza
Favorite saying: "The grass is always greener ..."

Yep I'd say a Highland. Angus's are black and don't come with horns. Both produce some of the finest beef to be had, but not cheap - Highlands are particularly expensive - they mature much slower so can't be mass produced to the extent of most modern breeds but worth the wait for the beef. I do have a soft spot for the living animal rather than the plated up version - the Highlands are so good natured, but wouldn't get between a mama and her baby as with any animal. They might look like they ought to be fiery natured given their red coat and big horns but they're absolutely not.