Cattle breeding

The breeding tradition of Chianina cattle originated at the Azienda Agraria Abbadia at the beginning of the 19th century. During the 1920's an important work of morphological selection was started by the Institute of Zootechnics of the University of Florence in order to improve the breed characteristics and in particular its ability to produce beef. Fattoria Abbadia's cattle breeding is presently one of the most important in Val di Chiana; about 250 head of pure Chianina breed are reared not only for meat production but also for reproduction, with wide records of data regarding the management of cattlesheds. 
The Farm's livestock consists of 140 nursing cows and five full-grown bulls which produce about a hundred calves a year and breeding is organised as partially free stalling. The five bulls and cows of the Farm mate naturally. 
Births follows one another during all the year. Calves are suckled naturally by their mothers and weaned when they are about 5-6 months old. 
Successively cattle are fed mainly with fresh and preserved forage produced at the Farm and coming from the grasslands of lucerne (alfalfa), typical of this area; in addiction, simple or compound feed enriched with mineral and vitamin supplements is used. 
Daily ration is calculated so to ensure a protein content between 13% and 18% according to the animal's growth.
A large part of the herd is sold for reproduction. 
Thanks to its care in breeding and its interest in research for constant improvement of the breed Azienda Agricola Abbadia is well considered one of the most famous and valued cattle farms among breeders.'

fattoria.abbadia@valdichiana.it

The history - Cattle Breeding - Chianina race - Where we are - Information - Home