Every year in Aproz in Valais, the final battle between the top cows of each canton attracts more than 10,000 fans.

Picture gallery

Heavy set, proudly wearing a black robe with a pair of horns reminiscent of a bicycles handlebars, the cow from Hérens has loyal fans. Presented as inoffensive and sweet (one sees a baby offering her hay and getting an affectionate lick on the hand in return), the cow from Hérens has a combative temperament, which makes her a natural leader within her own herd. Those who raised her therefore organize fights in competition, making sure to file down her horns to avoid injury. Each cow takes on an opponent, a battle that ends with the winner being presented with a bell.

Well known Swiss traditions include schwingen (wrestling), yodeling and hornussing, but until now pitching cows against each other in battle has not become that well known outside the country. Documentary filmmaker Nicolas Steiner's black and white film uses magnificent slow motion images to underline the beauty of combat and its timeless aspect. Especially moving is the joy and pride seen on the face of 17-year-old Déborah, the trainer of Mélancolie, the cow that takes third place – which proves that this "sport" is not as archaic as it seems.