Arouquesa cows are in reality a dual-purpose animal. They are great for both milk and meat production.
The Arouquesa cattle are a breed of cattle from Portugal. It is a dual-purpose breed that are great for both milk and meat production. Its region is circumscribed to the Northern Portuguese districts of Aveiro, Braga, Viseu, and Porto.
The breed was awarded the protected geographical status of Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) from the European Commission.
Arouquesa cattle are a sized animal that is smaller. Their coat color is largely light brown. Even though the cows might not become somewhat darker than the bulls. Their mucosa and claws are of a color that is dark. Both bulls and cows have horns.
Their horns are big that are wide and therefore are directed forward, then up and first down. They have legs that are strong, and their hind legs are very muscular. The bulls can attain a height of the cows about 123 cm, and about 134 cm.
The average live body weight of the cows differs from 350 to 400 kg. And the mature bulls on weight between 430 and 360 kg.
The Arouquesa cows are quite long-lived creatures and 16-18 calves per cow are typical. They are well adapted to the mountains. Along with milk and meat production, the breed is also good for using as a draft animal.
The oxen were frequently exported to Great Britain in the century mainly due to their beef grade that was good. The Arouquesa steak was the winner of the”Award for the Best Steak” in 1902. But unfortunately today this fine and excellent beef are known in Portugal. The Arouquesa cattle breed is counted as the most effective native breed for meat production in Portugal.
Arouquesa Cattle Characteristics
| Breed Name | Arouquesa |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Milk and meat |
| Special Notes | Well adapted to native climates, very good for meat production, hardy, good for milk, good quality meat, very fertile, good quality milk, easy calving, easy to handle, good for draught works, active |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Weight Bulls | 360-430 kg |
| Cows | 350-400 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Coat Color | Mainly light brown, but the bulls may become light darker than the cows |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Good |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Portugal |
