A.N.A.Bo.Ra.Va., guardian of the Aosta cattle breed

Behind this acronym is the Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Bovini di Razza Valdostana, the national association of breeders of Aosta cattle. Founded in 1980, it is based in Gressan, near Aosta.

A task entrusted by the State

A.N.A.Bo.Ra.Va. was recognised as a public-interest body by a presidential decree in 1987. Since 1995 a ministerial decree has authorised it to keep the herd book of the Aosta breed. The State has given it the task of improving the breed genetically, under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture.

It has 1,417 breeder members: 1,151 in the Aosta Valley and 266 in neighbouring Piedmont.

Three coats, one breed

The herd book records the three varieties of the Aosta breed:

• the red pied, the most widespread, with a coat spotted from light to dark red and a white head, belly, lower legs and tail. It is thought to descend from northern European cattle brought by the Burgundians at the end of the 5th century;
• the black pied, spotted black and white;
• the chestnut, with a coat ranging from almost black to fawn.

Together with the Hérens breed of the Valais, the black pied and the chestnut form the ancient group that once populated the Alps. They differ only in their ancestry: purely Aosta Valley for the black pied, with Hérens blood for the chestnut. Lively and spirited, they are the cows that compete in the battles of the queens.

All three are hardy, resistant to disease and to the mountain climate, and make good use of the rough forage of the high pastures.

Everyday work

The association follows the registered herds: official milk recording, assessment of the cows’ conformation by its breed experts, and the choice of bulls. Each year it publishes bull catalogues and advises breeders on matings. It also runs a genetic centre and a bull centre, and takes part in cattle shows.

Joining the herd book is voluntary: breeders apply and agree to follow the rules and the controls.

For the promotion of livestock farming and the Viande valdôtaine label, see also the Aosta Valley Breeders’ Association (AREV).

Address: Fraz. Favret 5, 11020 Gressan (AO)

Telephone: +39 0165 250984

Email: info@anaborava.it

Official website: anaborava.it

Source: official website of A.N.A.Bo.Ra.Va..