In Spain, there are various native cattle breeds, whose specific characteristics, among other factors, we will now discuss.

The Spanish cattle breeds are eight, as explained in the following sections.

Asturiana de los valles

It is one of the most peculiar cow breeds as it has a European origin and is known by various names such as Carreña or Vaca Roxa in Bable. The arrival of new breeds to Asturias and Cantabria almost led to its extinction, a situation that was avoided due to its spread in other regions of the country. It is used for milk production, although its meat is also highly appreciated.

Negra ibérica

It is also known as Avileña. It was common throughout the central peninsula, although in the 19th century its breeding concentrated in the Meseta. Nowadays, it is commonly found in different areas of the country. It lives in the mountains or in dehesas, being a perfect cow for exploitation.

Rubia gallega

Its origin dates back to 500 BC, with 75% of the existing ones concentrated in Lugo, although it is also common in other regions like La Rioja or Madrid. It is named after the color of its coat. It is a dairy cow that offers excellent results due to its production capacity.

Lidia

It was created between the 16th and 18th centuries by mixing different strains, some of which have been in existence for more than 3,000 years. It is exclusively used for bullfighting and is commonly found in valleys of rivers such as the Guadiana, Guadalquivir, Duero, Tajo, and Ebro. It is very common in Extremadura and Andalusia.

Morucha

It comes from the Iberian trunk, so its mucous membranes have a characteristic black color. It is mainly concentrated in Salamanca, Zamora, and Cáceres. Its meat is highly appreciated, acquiring all its flavor due to the way each cow is raised in vast dehesas and the type of feed given to each animal.

Pirenaica

It is a mix between the Iberian cow (native breed) and the European cow. It usually lives in the western part of the Pyrenees. Like the previous ones, it is raised for consumption due to the high quality of its meat. Some oxen are used in the Basque Country for the sport of heavy stone throwing.

Parda de la montaña

It is found in Castilla y León, Aragón, Navarra, Cantabria, and Asturias. Its meat is highly valued due to its flavor nuances and excellent quality. Its varied diet influences the final result of each cut.

Retinta

Its origin is in the Middle East. Thanks to transhumance, the breed reached Europe and settled in the southwestern part of the continent. In Spain, it is common in Andalusia, La Mancha, and Extremadura, among other regions. The pink color of its meat and its texture have made it one of the favorites of the best chefs in the country.

It should be clarified that there are also other cattle breeds that are endangered, such as the Albera, Canaria, Cachena, Bruna de los Pirineos, Cárdena Andaluza, Mallorquina, or Menorquina, among others.

After learning about the different Spanish cattle breeds, it is important to distinguish between those mentioned and others like the Holstein, which is of foreign origin. Native breeds are characterized, in about 80% of cases, by their meat and their adaptability to all types of terrain.

By trusting in our native breeds, we can prevent their extinction, thus ensuring the future of each species. All this is to support the national product and maintain the quality of our cattle, which is undoubtedly one of the most important in Europe, given the variety of producing regions and the characteristics already mentioned above.