Conservation of Polish red cattle

Abstract

Polish Red cattle are the most conserved breed of cattle in Poland. The current population of Polish Red cows is estimated to be approximately 30000, of which only 1321 animals accounted for the active population in the year 2005. Of these, approximately 500 cows (spread over 60 farms) are included in the genetic resources conservation programme. This survey was conducted among 100 breeders of Polish Red cattle, 94 of them were from the Małopolska region. Average area of surveyed farms was 44.2 ha, but this value was overstated by 3 farms with areas of 700, 260 and 160 ha respectively. However, the overwhelming majority of farms (84%) were small ones with area of less than 20 ha. Also, majority of all farms (79%)) had less than 20 Polish Red cows. Among the farms availing the “Conservation of Local Farm Animal Breeds” package, the overwhelming majority (92%) had up to 10 cows only. And cattle were the only animal species reared in majority of farms (63) most of which (92%) also had other cattle breeds (mainly Polish Holstein-Friesian of Black-and-White and Red-and-White variety). The farms surveyed represent the future of Polish Red cattle breeding in Poland which are largely dependent on government subsidies. In case subsidies were lifted or even limited, as many as 80% of the farmers were of the opinion to abandon Polish Red cows in favour of breeds that are more efficient and economically profitable.