Swiss Brown (German: Braunvieh) is a large docile cattle breed associated with the scenic Swiss Alps. Development of the breed came into its own in the 18th century in the mountain valleys of Switzerland and production records on milk and meat performance were established in the 19th century. Today, roughly 40% of the cattle in Switzerland are Braunvieh and they have spread throughout the world. Braunvieh is valued for its milk, meat and formerly also as a draught animal.
Braunvieh may be the oldest pure cattle breed on earth, with records dating back to 800 B.C. Recently, archeologists have found cattle bones among the ruins of the ancient Swiss Lake Dwellers similar to those of the present day Braunvieh. This would date these cattle to the Bronze Age.