Buša cattle
The Buša cattle (or also Busha[1]) is a small native breed of cattle with numerous phenotype found throughout southern parts of former Yugoslavia (Dinaric Alps). It belongs to the group of the shorthorn cattle.[1]
Description[]
The animals are unicoloured brown. They are small: the height at the withers is 100–110 cm. Cows weigh 180–250 kg, and bulls weigh c. 300 kg. Buša heifers become sexually mature at two years of age. The calves are very small: their birth weight is about 15 kg. The breed's fertility is between 85 and 90%. Females stay fertile until an age of twelve years. The life span of the animal is about twenty years.[1]
Characteristics[]
Bušas are used as draft animals, and for beef and milk production. Although their work capacity is modest, the animals are disease-resistant, well-adapted to harsh climate, and require little food. The milk performance is 700–800 L per annum. The milk contains about 4–6% milk fat.[1]
Variants[]
Bušas and their cross breeds are widespread over the former Yugoslavia: they are kept in Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of Croatia like Lika and Dalmatia, Montenegro and in Serbia (including breakaway province of Kosovo). They are adapted on karst landscapes and count as robust and frugal. In the winter the cattle is housed for 2–6 months, in the remaining time they are kept outdoor.
References[]
External links[]
- Cattle breeds
- Fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Fauna of Croatia
- Fauna of Montenegro
- Fauna of Serbia