Hérens cattle

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Hérens cow

The Hérens (Eringer in German) is a breed of cattle named after the Val d'Hérens region of Switzerland. These small, horned alpine cattle are coloured black, brown or dark red, often with a lighter stripe along the spine.[1] The cows are used in organised cow fights.[1]

Characteristics

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Hérens steer

Hérens cattle are a small Alpine breed. Their coat is unicoloured, ranging from dark red to brown or black.[2] Newborn calves are typically red with a dark dorsal stripe; as they grow, this coloration reverses during moulting, with the body turning black and the stripe becoming red.[2]] A distinguishing feature is their short, broad head with a straight forehead and a wide muzzle. The animals are muscular and equipped with strong horns.[2]

Mature bulls typically reach a height of 122–132 cm and weigh between 650 and 950 kg, while cows measure 118–128 cm and weigh between 480 and 800 kg.[2]

Breed history

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The Hérens breed is thought to descend from an ancient Alpine cattle population that historically ranged between Austria and Savoy.[3] Archaeological evidence suggests that its ancestors existed as early as 3000 BCE, with a cranium discovered at Saint Guérin near Sion. Based on cranial morphology, Hérens cattle are classified among the Brachycephalus type, known for a broad skull.[3] Blood type studies have shown that the Hérens is genetically distinct from other Swiss breeds, but shares similarities with the Tuxer cattle of Austria’s Zillertal.[3] In 1925, this similarity led to a limited exchange of breeding bulls between the two breeds.[3]

Cow fighting

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Main article: Cow fighting

Hérens cows are known for their natural aggressiveness, particularly among females.[4] When turned out in spring, they instinctively clash to establish herd hierarchy. This behavior forms the basis of structured cow fighting events held in Valais and the Aosta Valley, where cows compete in weight-based categories.[4] Winners advance to a national final held annually since 1922, attracting large crowds. The top cow in each category earns a ceremonial bell, and the overall winner is crowned “queen of queens”.[4]

In summer, selected cows graze together on Alpine pastures. At season’s end, the herders determine the queen of the herd, who then leads the désalpe procession down to the valley, crowned with flowers.[4]

Fights between Hérens cattle are watched by thousands of locals and tourists in Valais, Switzerland.
A fight between Hérens cows




References

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  1. ^ a b "Oklahoma State University breed description". Archived from the original on 2008-01-23. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  2. ^ a b c d "Breed standard". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  3. ^ a b c d "Breed history from the Swiss federation of livestock farming". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  4. ^ a b c d "The Hérens – queen of the cows". Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). 24 May 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
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