Analysis of the Current Opportunities for Valorization and Conservation of the Main Autochthonous Cattle Breeds in the Conditions of the Carpathian Mountain Areas

Abstract

The Carpathian areas are defined by a specific natural area, outlined by mountain geographical and climatic conditions that allowed the development of traditional agriculture, dominated by native cattle breeds, adapted to restrictive factors specific to mountain areas, which limited the expansion of perfected, highly productive and sensitive breeds. The purpose of this review consists of synthesizing and revising the current literature regarding the origin and evolution of cattle breeding of Pinzgau de Transilvania, Brună type Schwyz and Bălțată Românească breeds in various mountain areas of Romania, in association with their morpho-productive characteristics and development of traditional dairy products. The results found in the literature revealed the current level of support and implementation of strategies for the conservation of significant cattle herds from the main native breeds. The essential characteristics for the perpetuation of cattle breeds adapted to the Carpathian Mountain conditions are also presented, as well as the criteria of their promotion by breeders in the mountain areas. In the current context of the expansion of commercial farms, domestic cattle breeds, mainly Pinzgau herds, are insufficiently supported. Thus, we consider that any effort to preserve and support local cattle breeds is fully justified.