Pustertaler (or
Pustertal pied) Cattle originate from the side-valleys of the Pustertal in
Southern Tyrol. For a long time, they were credited to be the best cattle breed
of the imperial and royal monarchy. Continuous sale of the breed to Viennese
dairies finally lead to the decline of the breed.
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.
Colour and patterns
vary. Tail and belly are always white. The coloured areas (red or black) may be
connected ("Schecken”) or be distributed as finely coloured dots
("Sprinzen”). The Pustertaler Cattle are heavy and large framed.
They are characterised
by longevity and easy calving. Calves are very vital, with high daily weight
increase when feeding on basic rations.
With each lactation
period, milking performance of the cows increases. Additionally, meat quality
is very good.
General remarks:
Pustertal bred in South- and North Tyrol seem to be improved with Vosgene
blood. There are only 4-5 breeders left in South Tyrol, which have purebred
animals without Vosgene blood. The degree of improvement is not clear at this
point. Austria (North Tyrol) has closed its herdbook for external exchange of
animals.
Content and photo source: Agraria.org
About Pustertaler Cattle
