Cows have horns in ads and in tourism

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Brown Swiss cows normally have horns. (Reuters) Reuters

The curved horns of the mottled Simmental cows are a tourist attraction. (Reuters) Reuters

The traditional cow fights in Valais involve the horned Herens breed. (Keystone) Keystone

In marketing, horns are a must. This purple cow represents the Milka brand of chocolate. (Fotoagentur Aura) Aura

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In Switzerland, only about 10% of cows have horns. Yet the images in Swiss advertising and tourism literature suggest otherwise. By nature, most bulls and cows have two horns. However, these are often burnt off when the animals are still calves. The idea is that it will be easier to keep them, and that there will be fewer injuries. For some time, hornless cattle have been bred as well. The role of horns in terms of the social behaviour of these animals is unclear. In any case, they can serve as a weapon for defence and for rank fights.

(Text: Sibilla Bondolfi, Photo selection: Christoph Balsiger)