About Valle d'Aosta Cattle |
| Photo source: agrarian.org |
The Valle d'Aosta cattle breed is an autochthonous breed native to the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy, where approximately 85% of all heads are bred. This breed is valued for its dual-purpose nature, being suitable for both milk and meat production. Despite their relatively small size, averaging around 500 kilograms alive, Valle d'Aosta cattle exhibit remarkable frugality and provide quite good milk production, along with excellent meat production and butchery yield.
There are three distinct varieties of Valle d'Aosta cattle, each characterized by unique morphological characteristics, coat coloration, milk and meat production, and temperament. These varieties include the Valdostana Pezzate Rossa, Valdostana Pezzata Nera, and Castana. Two genealogical books exist to register these breeds separately.
In 1937, the National Association of Valdostana Breeders, A.N.A. Bo.Ra.Va., was founded to promote and preserve these unique cattle breeds.
The Valdostana Pezzate Rossa is the most common breed in Valle d'Aosta, with 13,241 heads registered in 2003. These cattle feature a red pied coat, ranging from light to dark red, with white markings on the head, abdomen, parts of the limbs, and tail. This breed traces its lineage back to red pied cattle from the end of the fifth century, originating from the Burgundi region. Known for its quality meat and strength, the Valdostana Pezzate Rossa exhibits a docile and strong temperament, well-suited to harsh climates and resistant to common pathologies. This breed is long-lived, frugal, and able to thrive on coarse forage.
The Valdostana Pezzata Nera and Castana breeds, along with the Swiss Hérens, belong to the autochthonous cattle originating in the Alps. These breeds likely descended from the 'Bos brachyceros' lineage. Known for their lively temperament and rusticity, both breeds are registered in the same genealogical book but differ in coat coloration. The Pezzata Nera features a black and white pied coat, while the Castana has a uniform black and red coat, ranging from black to tawny. Milk production in these breeds is lower compared to the Valdostana Pezzate Rossa.
Valle d'Aosta cattle, particularly the Pezzata Nera and Castana, exhibit a lively and sometimes aggressive temperament, especially during grazing. These cattle establish a hierarchy within the herd through uncruel fighting. Breeders have organized 'Batailles de Reines,' or battles between heifers, for over 50 years to determine the strongest and designate it as the 'Reìna' or queen of the herd.
