The Rubia Gallega cattle are a dual-purpose breed of cattle which are raised for both milk and meat production. It is native to the autonomous community of Galicia in north-western Spain, and distributed mainly throughout Galicia.
There were some crossbreeding with the Portuguese Barrosã, Swiss Braunvieh and Simmental, and British Shorthorn cattle breeds in the 20th century.
And a herdbook for the cattle was established in 1933. Total registered population of the breed was 39,971 at the end of 2015.
Currently the Rubia Gallega cattle are distributed throughout the autonomous community, with about 75 percent of the population concentrated in the province of Lugo.
The breed is also known as Galician Blond and Galician: Rubia Galega. Read more information about the breed below.
Rubia Gallega Cattle Characteristics
Rubia Gallega cattle are medium to large animals with red-blond, wheaten or cinnamon-colored coat. Both bulls and horns usually have horns, and their horns are usually of medium length and curved.
Their skin color is pink. Average height of the bulls is around 145 cm at the withers, and about 135 cm for the cows.
The Rubia Gallega cattle are medium sized animals. Average live body weight of the mature cows is around 700 kg. And the mature bulls on average weight around 1000 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
These animals are dual-purpose. They are good for both milk and meat production, but currently they are primarily raised for meat production.
Special Notes
Rubia Gallega cattle are well-adapted to their native climates. Although it is a dual-purpose breed, but today it is raised primarily for meat production.
The breed is also pretty good for milk production and their milk is of pretty good quality. Their milk is used for Tetilla cheese production.
The breed has a tranquil temperament and it is suitable for draught work. But the animals are slower in comparison to the oxen of other cattle breeds. Review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Rubia Gallega | |
| Other Name | Galician Blond and Galician: Rubia Galega | |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly meat, also milk | |
| Special Notes | Active, well adapted to native climates, Tranquil temperament | |
| Breed Size | Medium to large | |
| Bulls | Around 1000 kg | |
| Cows | Around 700 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates | |
| Coat Color | Red-blond, wheaten or cinnamon-colored | |
| Horned | Yes | |
| Milk Yield | Good | |
| Rarity | Common | |
| Country/Place of Origin | Spain |
