Chianina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chianina (pronounced key-a-NEE-na) is an Italian beef breed of cattle. It is the largest and one of the oldest existing cattle beef breed in the world[1]. The famous "Fiorentina" steak is produced from its meat.
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[edit] History
One of the oldest breeds of cattle, originating in the Chiana Valley in Italy, the breed dates back to the time of Roman Empire. The Chianina was originally developed as a dual purpose breed for meat and draught purposes. The Herd Book dates back to 1856.[2]
[edit] Breed Description
Chianina are characterised by white hair and a black switch. They have black skin pigmentation. Chianina are heat tolerant and have a gentle disposition. They are the largest breed in size, bulls generally standing 6 feet (1.8m) tall and weighing up to 4000 lbs. The cows stand at 5 feet (1.5m) or so and weighing in at up to 2400 lbs. The world record for the heaviest bull was 1,740kg (3,836lb) for Chianina named Donetto, when he was exhibited at the Arezzo show in 1955.[3]
They are used in breeding programs for their growth rate, high quality meat and heat tolerance. They are also great foragers. Chianina are also tolerant to disease and insects to a greater degree than many other domesticated cattle. Thanks to these qualities the Chianina breed is present in many countries like Brazil where there are many thousands.
[edit] References
- ^ Oklahoma State University breed history
- ^ Beattie, William A. (1990). Beef Cattle Breeding & Management. Popular Books, Frenchs Forest. ISBN 0-7301-0040-5.
- ^ Friend, John B., Cattle of the World, Blandford Press, Dorset, 1978
[edit] External links
- History of the Chianina Breed - Oklahoma State University
- Chianina Breed Information - Cattle.com
[edit] Bibliography
- Modern Livestock and Poultry Production, James R. Gillespe. sixth addition
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