Barrosa
(most common name)

(local/other name):
• Barrosã
• Raça Bovina Barrosã
(historical breed name):
• Maiana (from Maia)
• Pisca

The Barrosa originated in the Barroso Hills of northern Portugal where it borders Spain.

The Barrosa is an authentic breed known for its very large lyre-shaped horns whose length and shape are unique among Portuguese cattle.

The Barrosa is described as being of medium size, fast growing, early maturing and having good quality meat. Microsatellites confirm a close relationship to the Cachena; Barrosa also have no admixture of African mtDNA. However, there is a very high frequency of the Robertsonian chromosomal translocation rob(1;29), which is associated with reduced bull fertility.

Barrosa beef production has benefited from the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) system since 1992. Barrosa purebred calves (6–9 months old) are reared in an area with extensive grazing; they are fed farm products and suckled by cows grazing on natural pastures. This produces a lean meat.

This page was last updated on: 2023-07-09

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