Sayaguesa are an endangered Spanish breed of domestic cattle. They are named for the comarca of Sayago in the province of Zamora, in the western part of the autonomous community of Castile and León, and are raised almost exclusively in that area. TheyIt were traditionally bred mainly for drought work, but they are now raised principally for meat.
Between 1950 and 1981 the population of the Sayaguesa fell by about a quarter, or some 17,000 head. By 2009 only about 450 head remained, on 29 farms.? At the end of 2015 the population was 1,612, of which almost all were in Castilla Léon.
The Sayaguesa is one of the largest indigenous Spanish cattle breeds. It displays considerable sexual dimorphism: bulls may weigh up to 1100 kg and cows up to 700 kg.? The height at the withers averages 158 cm for bulls and 154 cm for cows.
Their coat is black, sometimes lighter on the underparts. There may be a paler dorsal stripe, often absent in cows. The inside of the ears and the area round the mouth are pale. The hooves, muzzle and natural openings are black, the horns are white at the base and tipped with black.? The head is relatively small, with a concave profile. Calves are born red, and only later turn black.
Sayaguesa cattle are hardy, robust and frugal, and well adapted to the poor pastures and harsh environment of its native area.
Source: Content and Image from Wikipedia.
About Sayaguesa Cattle
