Cika cattle
Origin and development of the Breed
Cika cattle, known as “cikasto govedo" in Slovenian, is the only preserved autochthonous Slovenian cattle breed. Originating from the Bohinj region, this breed has been closely associated with alpine dairy farming, which was historically the most important agricultural activity due to the lack of arable land. In Bohinj, the breed was referred to as “bohinjka," synonymous with an excellent dairy cow. In the late 19th century, the solid-colored cattle were crossbred with the now-extinct “belansko" cattle from Austrian Carinthia, adopting the distinctive color pattern seen today. After World War II, the population of Cika cattle began to decline due to replacement by other breeds, bringing the breed to the brink of extinction two decades ago.
Breed Characteristics
Cika cattle are harmoniously built, non-robust animals with fine bones. The primary coat color ranges from light red to dark reddish-brown, most commonly chestnut brown, which should dominate over white. The head is uniformly colored. A white stripe runs along the back, continuing under the tail, along the belly, and up to the chest. The tail is white, and narrower or broader white bands often appear across the upper parts of the front and hind legs. These animals are known for their longevity and pronounced maternal instincts. The desired withers height for cows after their first calving is up to 125 cm.
Breed Distribution and Endangrement
Cika cattle are found on over 1,000 farms throughout Slovenia, with the highest concentrations in the Central Slovenia, Upper Carniola, Savinja, and Gorizia statistical regions. Approximately 3,370 animals are registered in the original herdbook. Despite their numbers, Cika cattle breed is considered an vulnerable breed.
Did You Know ...
... that in the past, Cika cattle was knowm for its excellent milk production, leading to the saying, "Go to Bohinj for a cow, to Poljanska for a wife"?
Breeding purpose and Products
Historically, Cika cattle were primarily dairy-oriented, with most registered cows included in milk production control programs. Today, the breeding goal is a dual-purpose breed with an emphasis on milk production. However, many breeders raise cows as suckler cows for producing weaned calves destined for slaughter or further fattening. Cika cattle excel in grazing on steep mountainous pastures, making them ideal for maintaining and preserving alpine meadows and preventing overgrowth.
For more information
you can visit the official website of the Association of Breeders of Autochthonous Cika Cattle in Slovenia: https://www.cikastogovedo.si/.
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