This breed seems to
have been originated from the light golden -coated cattle quite similar to
present day Reggiana, at several steps crossbred with Podolico grey cattle. It
takes its name from the area of distribution around the provinces of Modena,
Reggio Emilia, Mantova, Ferrara, Bologna, where it was highly appreciated for
its very good milk production.
In 1960 there were
about 142.000 heads, at present their number has greatly decreased because of
the highly competitive diffusion of cosmopolitan breeds.
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.
It shows a white
mantle shading to grey at the shoulder and thigh levels, yellowish medium-sized
horns with black tip; the frontal hair tuft may have some reddish shading as it
comes from dark golden cattle. Another typical characteristic of some Italian
white breed is the so-called ‘cut’, that is a pink coloured reversed V in the centre
of the dark grey wide muzzle. Depigmented skin, medium-small size and height.
This breed was
originally used for milk, labor and meat but throughout the years it was
mainly selected for milk production.
Content and Photo
Source: Agraria.org
About Modenese Cattle
