Maas-Rhine-Issel — መግዛት ወይም መሸጥ

Breed history: The Maas-Rhein-Issel cow (hereinafter MRI) originates from the Netherlands and Germany. The name comes from three rivers – Maas, Rhein, and Issel – that flow through the region where this breed was developed in the second half of the 19th century. The exact details of the conditions of origin are unknown, but it is believed to share common roots with the Dutch Black and White breed. In the early stages of its development, before 1800, various crossbreeding practices were employed, and black coloration predominated. However, at the beginning of the 19th century, selection took two directions: in coastal areas rich in pastures, individuals with black coats were selected to improve milk productivity (which contributed to the emergence of the Black and White Frisian breed), while in the inland areas, where grains and potatoes predominated, red-spotted cows were selected, which formed the Maas-Rhein-Issel breed. In 1874, the first breeding book was published in the Netherlands, and in 1990, the German Breeding Society was established. Initially, the breed had a dual purpose (meat and milk), but over time the focus shifted towards milk production. In the early 1970s, MRI cattle were first imported to the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as in smaller numbers to Australia, the USA, and Canada. In the Netherlands, the population decreased since the 1970s due to the growing popularity of the Holstein breed. However, thanks to conservation measures, the MRI population recovered, reaching 25,000 heads by 2011. Red-spotted dual-purpose breeds were derived from the Maas-Rhein-Issel breed in Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Denmark between 1920 and 1950. Exterior: The Maas-Rhein-Issel is a medium-sized breed of cows that stands out for its strong and harmonious build, providing good physical characteristics for both meat and milk production. The typical coloration for this breed is red and white spotted, which gives the animals a distinctive and attractive appearance. Usually, the color is such that the head (which is medium-sized with a prominent forehead) and back are red, while the belly, legs, and area under the tail are predominantly white. White spots may appear on the red head, making the animals' appearance even more recognizable and characteristic of the breed. The body of the Maas-Rhein-Issel is strong, with a wide chest and well-developed musculature, making the breed resilient and hardy.