The inclusion of resistant grape varieties in the range of Swiss wines on restaurant menus is an increasingly trending topic. Against the backdrop of climate change and greater research into sustainability in viticulture, using grape varieties that are naturally resistant to fungal diseases appears to be a promising option to achieve these objectives. Although still limited, the area planted with resistant varieties is increasing steadily, with German-speaking Switzerland possessing a significant lead at this stage. The results show that consumers rate the quality of wines from resistant grape varieties on a par with that of the traditional varieties, suggesting an encouraging potential for development. Furthermore, several establishments already offer these wines on their menus, and the distribution observed at production level is broadly reflected in the supply found in the catering sector. Across the board, a lack of information and knowledge about these wines from resistant grape varieties is documented at different levels of the sector-from distribution to consumer perception-highlighting a significant opportunity for improvement in supporting the adoption and inclusion of these grape varieties in the Swiss viticultural landscape.
Seventy-two calves, distributed into three genotypes (Brown Swiss [BS], Limousin x Brown Swiss [LB] and Swiss Fleckvieh [SF]), were used in an extensive fattening trial from the fourth to the sixth month of life. Each farm included six calves of each genotype. The farm in Frick AG, where calves were kept in a barn, served as the control group, while the other three sites provided grazing access (Wulflingen ZH, Fruebuel on the Zugerberg and Alp Weissenstein on the Albula Pass). Grazing time was approximately 8-9 hours per day. In the barn, all calves were fed the same hay ad libitum. The grazing calves also received 0.5 kg of alfalfa and 1.3 kg of maize pellets per animal per day, plus an additional 0.5 kg of concentrates in the last four weeks. The calves at the Frick site received 1 kg of alfalfa and 2 kg of corn pellets per animal per day, plus 1.3 kg of concentrates per day in the last 6 weeks and 4 kg of fresh grass silage per animal per day in the last month of fattening. Blood samples were taken one week before slaughter on the 180th day of life, and at slaughter. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocytes, leukocytes and other blood count parameters as well as total protein and immunoglobulins were analysed in the blood, and lactate and cortisol were analysed in the blood from the slaughter. The farm elevation positively influenced haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythrocytes. alpha- and gamma-globulins were higher in the groups with grazing access, especially at the high- elevation extensive sites. Overall, calves of the SF breed performed better than BS; LB were in the middle of the range.
