Cachena facts for kids
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The Cachena is a special type of cattle found in Portugal and Galicia, Spain. These cows and bulls are known for being very hardy. They are also called a "triple-purpose" breed. This means they were once used for three things: pulling carts, giving milk, and providing meat. Today, they are mostly raised for their excellent meat. There is a similar but larger cattle breed in Portugal called the Barrosã. Some people think Cachena and Barrosã might be different types of the same breed.
Contents
What Cachena Cattle Look Like
Cachena cattle were first bred from local brown and yellow cattle. This happened in Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain. They are usually light brown to yellow in color. They have darker brown areas around their shoulders. Their noses are dark, but other soft parts of their faces are not colored. They have wide, long horns that curve like a lyre (a type of harp).
Smallest Cattle Breed
Cachena cattle are one of the smallest cattle breeds in the world. Both cows and bulls are usually 110 centimeters (about 43 inches) tall or less. Bulls typically weigh around 550 kilograms (about 1,212 pounds). Cows are lighter, weighing about 390 kilograms (about 860 pounds).
Where Cachena Cattle Live
Cachena cattle first came from the Vila Real District in northern Portugal. This area is not very good for farming. Later, they were taken to Galicia, Spain. The weather there is hot and dry in summer. In winter, it is cold and wet. The land is tough and not very fertile.
Natural Habitats
You can find Cachena cattle in the low mountain areas. These are near the border between Portugal and Spain. They live in places like the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park in Spain. They are also found near the village of Olelas in the Ourense region. In Portugal, they live in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
How Cachena Cattle Are Used
In the past, Cachena cattle were used for three main purposes. They helped pull carts, gave milk, and provided meat. Now, they are mostly raised for their beef. This beef is known for being very high quality.
Special Milk and Meat
Cachena cows produce a small amount of milk. This milk has a very good taste. It is said to taste special because the cows eat wild herbs. This milk is used to make a cheese called "Brandas da Cachena". The beef from Cachena cattle is also special. It has a protected name in Portugal called "Carne Cachena da Peneda". This means it comes from a specific area and meets certain quality rules.
Adapted to Their Environment
Cachena cattle are a very strong and "rustic" breed. This means they are well-suited to their natural environment. They do very well when they are allowed to roam freely. They have a good sense of smell. This helps them find rare herbs in the wild bushes. Cachena cows are also excellent mothers. They take great care of their calves. Their small size might be a way they adapted to their tough home. A smaller cow needs less food and can survive better when food is scarce.
Protecting Cachena Cattle
In 1986, there were only about 30 Cachena cattle left. Five years later, their numbers grew to 260. Portugal created a plan to help save farm animals that were in danger of disappearing. By 2013, there were over 4,700 Cachena cattle. They lived in 165 different herds. A special book to record Cachena cattle was started in the year 2000. This helps keep track of the breed and protect it.
See also
In Spanish: Cachena para niños
