Rubia Gallega

The Rubia Gallega, Galician: Rubia Galega, is a breed of cattle native to the autonomous community of Galicia in north-western Spain. It is raised mainly for meat.^: 143 It is distributed throughout Galicia, with about 75% of the population concentrated in the province of Lugo. The coat may be red-blond, wheaten, or cinnamon-coloured.^: 145

History

A herdbook was established in 1933. In the 20th century, some crossbreeding occurred with the Portuguese Barrosã, Swiss Braunvieh, Simmental, and British Shorthorn breeds.^: 105

At the end of 2015, the total registered Rubia Gallega population was 39,971, of which almost all were in Galicia. The breed is distributed throughout the autonomous community, with about 75% of the population concentrated in Lugo. It is found particularly at altitudes above about 550 m in the mountainous areas in the northern part of the province, including the Serra da Carba, the Serra de Lourenzá, and the Serra de Xistral.^: 74

Use

The Rubia Gallega is primarily a beef cattle breed. The milk is used in the production of Tetilla cheese, which has had Denominación de Origen certification since 1993 and European DOP certification since 1996. The Rubia Gallega has a tranquil temperament and is suitable for draught work; however, it is slow in comparison to oxen of other breeds.^: 109

References

1. Tetilla cheese
2. Beef cattle
3. List of Spanish cheeses
4. Palmera cattle
5. List of Spanish cattle breeds
6. List of PDO products by country
7. Sayaguesa
8. Pasiega
9. Cachena
10. Minhota
11. Tudanca cattle
12. History of French cattle breeding
13. Vianesa
14. Berrenda cattle
15. Asturian Valley cattle
16. Pajuna cattle
17. Asturian Mountain cattle
18. Albera (cattle)
19. Bruna dels Pirineus
20. Menorquina cattle