Albera (cattle)

History

The presence of cattle in the Albera Massif was noted in the nineteenth century, but the first description of the breed dates from 1957, when three sub-types were distinguished: a dark-coated type, a paler type, and a type from cross-breeding with Braunvieh. More recently, two types are recognized: the Negra and the Fagina. In 1999, the Fagina type was found genetically closer to the Bruna de los Pirineos than to the Albera Negra. A breeders' association formed in 2008, and official recognition came on 27 July 2011, with a breed standard and herd book established.

Description of the race

The Albera cow lives almost entirely free, feeding on forest and meadow vegetation, especially beech fruits and buds, for which it is also called fagina. Supplementary food is provided at certain times. Two varieties exist, the phagina and the black, together numbering fewer than 300 individuals, with phagina animals predominating. The breed is strong, resistant, agile, and small-statured, adapted to cold winters and rough terrain, making it useful for forest clearing and fire prevention.

The head is massive and elongated, with prominent eyes, an elongated facial region, and a nose usually pigmented black or edged in light. Horns are mostly crescent-shaped or short hooked, white with black tips, often serrated in adults. The neck is long and flattened. The trunk is flattened, narrow, and deep, with a prominent split cross; the back and loin are poorly muscled with a tendency to saddle.

The belly is voluminous, the rump horizontal, and the tail stud abundant. The mammary system is rudimentary, covered with fine long hair. Limbs are strong with well-defined joints. Hair is abundant, ranging from black to blond, with gradual discolouration on lower areas, slat, ears, skull base, and bangs. Calves are born every two years in the mountains without the shepherd present.

Needs of the Albera cow

To keep the Albera cow on a farm, conditions include water availability (one point every 10–40 ha), winter food, fencing to regulate grazing, a covered area for sick cows, determination of livestock load, and hose handling for sanitation and controls. Livestock load values for qualifying for pasture promotion aids in priority protection perimeters is 0.2–1.4 UBM/ha; for forest fire risk management it is 0.34 UBM/ha. For self-sufficiency, lower densities of about one cow per 8–10 ha are needed.

Use and management

These hardy cattle thrive in the cold and steep terrain of the Albera Massif, though they struggle in heat. Living semi-wild year-round at high altitudes, they survive on beech shoots and nuts. Cows only give birth every two years, producing just enough milk for their calf, and their meat yield is minimal. Their main role is clearing undergrowth, which helps prevent forest fires.