Mirandesa cattle are a draft cattle breed that is also used for meat production. It is a breed native to Portugal, found mainly in central and northeastern Portugal and southeastern Ourense in Spain.
The breed has a protected geographical status DOC from the European Commission.
Mirandesa cattle were a very hardy and popular working breed and were even used to pull fishing boats out of the water in the late 1970s. But today the breed is mainly kept in the natural grasslands of the north -east of the Transmontano to grow Bries.
Mirandes beef is highly valued in Portugal for its excellent taste and texture. The breed is also known by other names such as Frieiresa (in Spanish) and Ratinha. See more breed information below.
Characteristics of Mirandes cattle
Mirandesa cattle are medium-sized animals, ranging in color from light brown to dark brown. On the head of the animals there is a curly fringe of wool. Bulls and cows usually have horns.
They have large horns that grow outward and angle downward and then forward. The ears of these animals are covered with long, thick red hairs.
The average height of cows at the withers is around 133 cm, that of bulls around 143 cm and the average weight of bulls around 900 kg. And the average live weight of cows is about 550 kg.
Advantages
Previously, Mirandes cattle were used as a draft breed. But nowadays they are mainly used for meat production.
Special Notes
Mirandesa cattle are strong animals, well adapted to limited forage and harsh environments. They are very lively, but docile in temperament.
Cows have wonderful maternal instincts that protect calves from predators. The breed is also known for its longevity. However, check out the full profile of this breed in the table below.
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| Breed name | Mirandesa | |
| another name | Frieiresa (in Spanish) and mouse | |
| Purpose of the breed | Most of the time the meat is also messy | |
| Special Notes | Robust, rustic, well adapted to the harsh climate. | |
| Breed size | medium | |
| Bulls | About 900kg | |
| cows | About 550kg | |
| climatic tolerance | All climates | |
| coat color | Light brown to dark brown | |
| horned | Yes | |
| milk production | Medium | |
| scarcity | general | |
| Country/place of origin | Portugal |
