Arouquesa facts for kids
The Arouquesa is a special type of cattle that comes from Portugal. This breed has a unique status called DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada). This means its quality and features are strongly linked to the area it comes from. This special status was given by the European Commission.
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What Does the Arouquesa Look Like?
Arouquesa cattle are considered small. Adult cows usually stand about 1.23 m (4.0 ft) tall. The bulls are a bit taller, reaching around 1.36 m (4.5 ft).
These animals weigh between 360–430 kg (790–950 lb). Their hair is typically light brown. Male Arouquesas might have slightly darker coats than females. Their noses, mouths, and hooves are dark. They have wide horns that point forward, then curve down, and finally up.
What Makes Arouquesa Cattle Special?
Arouquesa cattle are very good at living in the mountains. Their strong back legs help them move easily on rocky ground. In Portugal, these cattle are still used as working animals. They help pull carts or farm equipment.
In the past, Arouquesa oxen were sent to Great Britain for their meat. In 1902, Arouquesa beef even won an "Award for the Best Beef" in Paris! This excellent meat is now mostly known only in Portugal. Many people there think it's the best local beef.
These animals also live a long time. It's common for a cow to have 16 to 18 calves in her lifetime. They are often raised using a "mother cow" system. This means calves stay with their mothers for a longer time. Arouquesa cattle are friendly but also quite active.
Where Do Arouquesa Cattle Live?
You can find Arouquesa cattle mostly in the northern parts of Portugal. They live in specific areas called districts. These include Viseu, Aveiro, Porto, and Braga.
See also
In Spanish: Arouquesa para niños
