Farm & Ranch
The Italian Breed – Chianina Cattle
By Jessica Crabtree
The breed Chianina isn’t a modern breed, but in fact has been around centuries as one of the oldest cattle breeds. Chianina cattle have very distinct characteristics that make them stand out from others. What gives these creatures away? Maybe it is their unusually long legs, white color and muscular body.
To understand the breed, one must understand where and how they originated. The Chianina received its name from the Chiana Valley in the province of Tuscany in Central Italy. That is where the breed primarily originated; however, according to an article titled, “Chianina” from the Cattle
Exchange website, the largest representatives of the breed originated from the plains of Arezzo and Siena, Italy.
In ancient times the breed was known as a draft breed used to assist in farming practices, even being the object of Roman sculptures. Today, through modernization in agriculture, the breed is better utilized for beef. According to the Cattle Exchange website, Chianina were first discovered by U.S. servicemen while stationed in Italy during World War II. It wasn’t until ’71 that the first Chianina semen was imported to the U.S., introducing the genetics.
To read more pick up a copy of the February 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Keith and Dana Schrick receiving an award for their 40 years of membership to the American Chianina Association during the national show in Louisville, Ky. (Photo courtesy of the Schrick family)
By Tressa Lawrence
Ranchers across northeast Wyoming and the surrounding areas saw record moisture levels in 2023. The year 2024 has seen significantly less moisture to date.
By Lindsey Monk
People are finishing up brandings. Here, Danny Walter is shown getting it done.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
On July 6, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) posted in the Federal Register a proposal that radio frequency identification tags be used as official identification for cattle and bison. Following a period for public comment, the USDA APHIS released a statement on April 24, 2024, with the amended animal disease traceability (ADT) regulation for cattle and bison. The full press release may be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-bolsters-animal-disease-traceability-united-states. Under the new rule, cattle and bison will need to be identified with tags that are both visual and electronic.
The USDA defines ADT as knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they have been, and when the animal disease event took place. A system that allows for efficient traceability of livestock in the United States is essential for animal health and reducing the economic effect of a foreign animal disease outbreak and other diseases on livestock producers as well as others whose well-being depends on livestock production.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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