The Romagnola is a cattle breed native to Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna province. It is a member of the Podolic breed of grey cattle. Romagnola cattle were historically used largely as draught animals however, since agricultural modernization in the mid-twentieth century, they have been bred mainly for beef production.
These primitive cattle contributed to the development of several breeds with similar characteristics that are found all across Italy in regions such as Ravenna, Forli, Bologna, Ferraio, Pesaro, and Florence. A combination of these led to the development of the Romagnola breed, we recognize today.
Throughout history, the Romagnola was used as a draught animal to aid in the tilling of the plains, with beef being a secondary product. Fertile soils and high-quality forage aided in the emergence of a more muscular variety, while their continued use as draught animals ensured their structural strength and dynamic characteristics.
Romagnola Cattle Temperament
The Romagnola has a submissive but alert temperament, making it an excellent breed to handle. Due to its past roles as a draught animal, the Romagnola has been gifted with strong joints and feet that can move easily while remaining flexible. Its resilience and ability to forage and thrive in the poor pasture have proven to be advantageous in the diverse range of pastures available to the South African beef herd.
Romagnola Cattle Characteristics
The Romagnola is a sturdy animal with noticeable thickness and muscularity, with bulls weighing about 1250kg and cows weighing about 750kg.
The breed is known for its early maturity and mother cows serve as the foundation. Romagnolas have often been chosen for their maternal qualities, resulting in females that mature early and are extremely fertile. Their milk production heritability is estimated to be about 40%.
The ease with which Romagnola cows calve is well known. Calves are strong and alert, and are typically up and nursing within a few hours of birth. Romagnola milk is nutrient-dense and produces calves of feeding age weighing 500 to 700 lbs at 205 days. The udder is tucked neatly beneath her and the teat positioning is accurate.
Romagnola Cattle Origin
The Romagnola originated in the Romagna district of northeast Italy, where it was produced from crosses of native cattle and the stabilization of descendants in the local climate. Between 1800 and 1900, the breed was selected and developed with a focus on the creation of dual intent milk–meat breed.
Romagnola Beef Genetics
Romagnola Beef Genetics is a renowned seed stock producer with a reputation for producing commercially viable genetics. Their breeding program and selection process have resulted in the development of a "new generation" of Romagnola cattle that are cleaner coated and easier to handle while remaining heavier in weight at the same age.
A good temperament is self-evident, and their bulls and progeny are well recognized for their pleasant personality and ease of handling. Their bulls are bred and ready to flourish in any landscape, and responses from their clients demonstrate that they are capable of surviving in hard situations and thriving in any environment to produce progeny well-suited to any market.
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