The Murboden cattle are a mountain breed which are mainly used for milk and meat production. But they are also good as draught animals. Currently the Murboden cattle are primarily bred in Austria, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Styria and in the bordering Slovenia.
The breed is called Pomurska in Slovenia, and some small purebred herds have survived there. It is said that the Murboden breed is a mix of older local mountain cattle breeds.
These older local breeds include Murztal Cattle, living in the Mur Valley, Ennstal Mountain Pieds and Carinthian Blondvieh.
A herdbook for the Murboden cattle was established in 1869. And breeding for a uniform type began in the early nineteenth century. Total population of the breed decreased greatly after World War II, and there was crossing with other breeds.
And their number started to increase again only at the beginning of the 1980s, with the Austrian government running a conservation program. Read more information about this cattle breed below.
Murboden Cattle Characteristics
The Murboden cattle are medium to large sized animals. Their hair color varies from yellowish to light red or grey. And there are deeper red areas around the horns, eyes and along the nose. Both bulls and cows usually have horns.
Average height of the bulls vary from 140 to 150 cm, and about 130 to 140 cm for the cows. Average body weight of the bulls is about 1200 kg. And the cows on average weight between 700 and 800 kg. Info from Wikipedia.
Uses
These animals are multi purpose. They are primarily used for milk and meat production. And they are also suitable for using as draught animals.
Special Notes
As a mountain breed, the Murboden cattle are very hardy and strong naturally. Total number of the breed is increasing gradually with the Austrian government running a conservation program. Review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Murboden | |
| Other Name | Called Pomurska in Slovenia | |
| Breed Purpose | Milk, meat, draught | |
| Special Notes | Strong, hardy, good milk producers | |
| Breed Size | Medium to large | |
| Bulls | Around 1200 kg | |
| Cows | 700 to 800 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates | |
| Coat Color | Varies from yellowish to light red or grey, with deeper red areas around the horns, eyes and along the nose. | |
| Horned | Yes | |
| Milk Yield | Good | |
| Rarity | Common | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Austria |
