Category:Evolène Cattle

Origin: The Evolène Cow as a small, temperamental and mountain-going breed is strong in milk production and is found in the side valleys of Wallis.

The Evolène Cow is regarded as an ancient breed of the Wallis. Sources extend back into the previous century, when Evolène and Eringer stood for the same breed. Already then competition existed, producing a well performing, but less robust and less Alps suitable Braunvieh. These animals were earlier frequently variegated. The variegated coloring was excluded however in the breeding of the Eringer, and in this way the present black, seldom red color was bred out. Only a small stock of variegated, lighter and milk-producing Evolène cows was able to survive in the side valleys of the Rhone. Thanks to a few hard-nosed Welschland breeders, the cow was protected from extinction. Today the Evolène can be found extensively in Upper Wallis (Oberwallis). Earlier Evolène cows were exported to Austria and the Aosta Valley and crossed with the breeds found there like the Tuxer or the Valdostana.

Characteristics of the animal: The present-day Evolène is an easily satisfied and vigorous animal. Its coloring is mostly red, more seldom black with white spots on the belly, tail and often the back and forehead. It is a dual-purpose breed (milk and meat). This very small cow has a very good ratio of body weight to milk production. Thanks to its small limbs with strong, but thin bones, the Evolène has a very good slaughter yield. This cow is very mountain-going, temperamental and aggressive. The pretty color, the delicate form, as well as its reliability bring the breeder much joy.

Breeding Organization: This cow, viewed in Wallis as an artifact of culture, was seized upon by several Upper Wallis initiators and bred with much care. It is said to be maintained in its homeland, the Wallis, as the Evolène Cow in its beautiful color and form and with its own characteristics. With the help of Pro Specie Rara a herd book was assembled in 1994. In January 1995 an association/society was founded.