Piedmontese cattle are a dual-purpose domestic breed originating in Italy, bred primarily for milk and meat production. It is also called Italian: Piemontese or razza bovina Piemontese.
The breed originated in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. Until the end of the 19th century, there were many local types of Piedmontese cattle, including canavese, della Langa, demonte, ordinario di Pianura and Scelta di Pianura.
In the past, they were triple-purpose animals. And it is grown mainly for animal traction, but is also valued for milk and meat. The herdbook was opened for the breed in 1877, and selective breeding began in the direction of dual purpose.
Piedmontese cattle carry a unique genetic mutation identified as an inactive myostatin allele that causes hypertrophic muscle growth or double musculature.
Purebred animals are homozygous, meaning they have two identical alleles of that single gene. At the beginning of the 680,000 century, there were about 20 heads of Piedmontese cattle in Italy.
Currently, this cattle breed is available in many other countries around the world.
Characteristics of Piedmont cattle
Piedmontese cattle are medium-sized animals, usually with black skin. Their coat is usually white or wheaten with a gray tint. Calves are born fawn in color and as they age, they turn gray-white.
Bulls and cows usually have horns and their horns are smaller. The average height of cows at the withers is 131-132 cm, for bulls – 130-135 cm.
Bulls weigh on average about 700-850 kg. And the average live weight of cows ranges from 520 to 550 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
Previously, Piedmontese cattle were used as draft animals and for milk and meat production in Italy. But nowadays they are mainly used for the production of meat as well as milk.
Special Notes
Piedmontese cattle have a relatively calm and docile temperament and are distinguished by their longevity. The cows are very prolific and show excellent maternal instincts.
Currently, the breed is used for both milk production and meat production. Their meat is considered a premium product. However, check out the full profile of this breed in the table below.
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| Breed name | Piedmontese | |
| another name | Italian: Piedmontese or Piedmontese cattle breed | |
| Purpose of the breed | Milk, Meat | |
| Special Notes | Robust, hardy, well adapted to various climatic conditions. | |
| Breed size | medium | |
| Bulls | About 700 to 850 kg | |
| cows | About 520 to 550 kg | |
| climatic tolerance | All climates | |
| coat color | White or wheaten with a gray tint | |
| horned | Yes | |
| milk production | Good | |
| scarcity | general | |
| Country/place of origin | Italy |
