Evolèner
(most common name)

local/other name (English):
• Evolènard
• Evolene
local/other name (French):
• Evolènarde
• Patcholée
local/other name (German):
• Evolener

The Evolèner is an old breed that developed in the Canton of Valais (Wallis in German) in southern Switzerland where both French and German are spoken.

The Evolèner started as a separate breed in 1859 when some Hérens breeders did not agree with the selection goal of a unicolored cow — so they created their own federation and thus began the Evolèner breed. Besides irregular white markings on the legs and belly, the Evolèner has a white patch on the forehead which is sometimes referred to as a ‘star’.

The Evolèner, in relation to its body weight, has excellent milk yields and a good dressing percentage.

The Evolèner, hardy and vigorous, also has an aggressive temperament and is used in cow fights (with each other and with the Hérens) that take place in the summer when various herds meet in the pastures in the alps.

This page was last updated on: 2023-08-11

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