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A Mirandesa bull.Also known by: Frieiresa (Spanish), Ratinha

 

The Mirandesa is found in central and northeastern Portugal and southeastern Orense in Spain. They are a draft breed which is also used for meat production.

 

The Mirandesa is the most widely distributed native breed in Portugal. Even in late 1970's these animals were still being used to pull fishing boats from the water. Mirandesa females average 133 cm in height and 550 kg in weight and are a lighter color than the bulls.  The males stand 143 cm tall and weigh 900 kg. Both sexes have short, broad heads with large horns which grow outward and bend down and then forward, with the points upward.

A Mirandesa cow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985, MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.

 

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.

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