Conservation status | FAO (2007): not at risk[1]: 106 |
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Other names | |
Country of origin | Spain |
Distribution | Galicia, principally the province of Lugo |
Standard | MAGRAMA (in Spanish) |
Use | meat |
Traits | |
Weight | |
Height | |
Skin colour | pink |
Coat | red-blond, wheaten or cinnamon-coloured[3]: 145 |
Horn status | horned |
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The Rubia Gallega, Galician: Rubia Galega, is a breed of cattle native to the autonomous community of Galicia in north-western Spain. It is raised mainly for meat.[3]: 143 It is distributed throughout Galicia, with about 75% of the population concentrated in the province of Lugo.[4] The coat may be red-blond, wheaten, or cinnamon-coloured.[3]: 145
A herdbook was established in 1933.[2] In the 20th century, some crossbreeding occurred with the Portuguese Barrosã, Swiss Braunvieh, Simmental, and British Shorthorn breeds.[5]: 105
At the end of 2015, the total registered Rubia Gallega population was 39,971, of which almost all were in Galicia.[6] The breed is distributed throughout the autonomous community, with about 75% of the population concentrated in Lugo.[4] It is found particularly at altitudes above about 550 m in the mountainous areas in the northern part of the province, including the Serra da Carba , the Serra de Lourenzá , and the Serra de Xistral .[7]: 74
The Rubia Gallega is primarily a beef cattle breed.[2] The milk is used in the production of Tetilla cheese,[8] which has had Denominación de Origen certification since 1993 and European DOP certification since 1996.[9] The Rubia Gallega has a tranquil temperament and is suitable for draught work; however, it is slow in comparison to oxen of other breeds.[5]: 109