About Asturian Valley Cattle

Asturian Valley (also known as Asturiana Occidental, Asturiana de los Valles, and Carrenana) cattle are raised for both milk and meat production. They originated in the valleys of Asturias, Spain and belongs to an exclusive bovine group in Spain known as the tronco Cantabrico (Cantabric trunk).

They are mostly raised in the northern coastal areas on the Bay of Biscay and the river valleys at the foot of the Cordillera Cantabrica mountain range.

Their importance as dairy cattle has reduced since other highly productive dairy cattle breeds have been introduced to Spain. They were the most abundant breed in the northern part of the country during the 19th century. But a massive addition of highly productive foreign breeds dangerously lowered their total numbers at the beginning of the 20th century to about 22,000 animals only. Now they are spread to some other parts of Spain.

They are medium-sized. They vary from dark brown to light golden brown. And sometimes with a white head, apart from their eyes. Sometimes their underside of the abdomen can also be white. Both bulls and cows usually have horns. Their horns are of medium sized and usually straight.

Average live body weight of the mature Asturian Valley cows is around 600 kg. And the mature bulls on average weight around 700 kg.