Modicana cattle come from the
ex-county of Modica (province of Ragusa-Sicily). From there it spread
throughout the whole island. It was exported into Sardinia giving birth to the
Modicana Sarda. It is the most important cattle breed in Sicily, for its
consistency and quality as well. Very rustic and frugal breed, lately it has
spread around the whole region being easily apt to any pedoclimatic situation.
Since 1985 the
Registry Office of autochthonous cattle breeds and ethnic groups of limited
diffusion has been founded, in order to protect those Italian cattle breeds at
risk of extinction and to safeguard this genetic heritage. Among them there are
the following breeds: Agerolese, Bianca Val Padana (Modenese), Burlina,
Cabannina, Calvana, Cinisara, Garfagnina, Modicana, Mucca Pisana, Pezzata Rossa
d’Oropa, Pinzgau, Pontremolese, Pustertaler, Reggiana, Sarda, Sardo-Modicana,
Varzese.
A uniform dark red
coat shading from the black of the bull to the golden red of the cow. Black
shades particularly in the front or external sides of the thighs. Black tail
tuft. The male has a darker coat, dark red wide muzzle with dark black
nostrils. Black hoofs. Yellowish horns at the basis and black at the tips.
Large udders with long big teats. Moderate size and height, a very sharp figure
but very solid skeleton.
Very good working
characteristics, quite good for milk production (considering the extremely poor
diet). Milk production is about 18-22 kg. per day in a lactation of 200-220
days, with a fat percentage of 4%. Quite poor for meat. It used to be bred for
labour (limbs and hoofs are very strong), today it is bred for milk, with which
some typical cheeses are made (Caciocavallo and Ragusano).
Content and Photo
Source: Agraria.org
About Modicana Cattle
