Mirandesa — iibso ama iibi

Breed history: The Mirandesa cow originates from the Terra de Miranda region in northeastern Portugal, in an area where the Mirandese language is spoken, particularly in the municipality of Miranda do Douro (Bragança province, Norte region). The first documented mention of the breed dates back to 1286. In 1870, Bernardo Lima described these animals as belonging to the wine region of Planalto Mirandês, highlighting their physical characteristics. In 1959, a breed registry for Mirandesa was established, becoming the first in the country. In the 1970s, a book on cattle in Portugal was published, which also mentioned these animals. Initially, Mirandesa was used as draft power and for meat production. Even in the late 1970s, these animals were used to pull fishing boats out of the water. With the spread of agricultural mechanization, the demand for draft cattle decreased, leading to a reduction in population. However, due to the high quality of the meat, the breed did not disappear. In 2007, the FAO assessed the conservation status of the breed as "not at risk." However, by 2023, DAD-IS changed the assessment to "endangered/vulnerable." In 2020, the population numbered 5,535 heads (5,230 cows and 305 bulls). Within the breed, there were previously various subtypes, such as Bragança, Beirão from Beira, Mirandês-Extremenho or Ratinho-Serra, and Harmelo. The latter was separated into a distinct breed, Harmelista, in 2007. Currently, the breed is primarily raised for beef production, which can be sold under a protected geographical indication (DOC/PDO). The larger Marinhoa cattle from the Aveiro region mainly descend from Mirandesa, possibly with some influence from the Minhotta breed. Exterior: The Mirandesa can be characterized as a medium-sized animal with a strong and muscular build. This breed of cows is distinguished by a variety of colors, which can be both light and dark brown, with cows often being lighter than bulls. A distinctive feature of their appearance is the so-called "curly tuft" — a kind of "hair" in the area of the head and horns, giving the breed additional individuality. The head of these cows is short and quite wide, emphasizing their massive build. The horns are large, with a characteristic light color, although their tips are darker. The horns grow outward, then curve down and point forward, giving the animals a very expressive appearance.