For this initiative only the breeds of the cows living in the chosen alpine huts have been taken into consideration. In the great majority of cases the alpine farmhouses lodge different cow-breeds but generally autochtohnous ones are prefered for their adaptability and their capacity to produce higher quality milk. The Alpine Brown and the Friesian breeds represent 80% of the cow present in the Italian farmhouses.
ALPINE BROWN
The Alpine Brown breed comes from the Switzerland and was introduced in the Italian farmhouses about in 1850. The great success of this breed is connected to the fact that it is able to live also in rough surfaces and can produce high quantities of milk. Since 1950 the Alpine Brown has been the most important cow-breed of Italy: it is characterized by healthy and strong cows which guarantee a continuous production of milk, which is particularly rich in proteins.
ALPINE GREY
The Alpine Grey cows are animals which are widely breeded thanks to their capacity of adaptation in mountain areas, as they have strong hooves and a particular muscular build. They are also appreciated for their instinctive ability to find fodders. Thanks to its propertie, milk produced by these cows is suited both for the direct consumption and for the production of cheeses.
FRIESIAN
The Friesian breed is the only breed lodged in the alpine huts of the Lagorai chain which is not autochton of the area: it comes from the Frieseland, a Dutch region.
It was imported in Italy in 1920 thanks to its capacity to produce high quantities of milk.
SIMMENTAL
If compared with the Friesian cow, the Simmental breed can produce a minor quantity of milk, which however is better from the point of view of the quality.
This cow is breeded especially in the regions of North Italy and thanks to its power it is used also for ploughing activities.
RENDENA COW
The Rendena cow is the original breed of the Trentino region: indeed it comes from the Rendena Valley and is breeded also in the near Veneto area. It boasts a great ability of adaptation and a major power of endurance in rough surfaces. Moreover, it can produce a very precious type of milk.
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