Pasiega

Pasiega
Conservation status
  • FAO (2007): extinct:106
  • DAD-IS (2020): endangered
Other names
  • Roja Pasiega
Country of originSpain
DistributionValles Pasiegos of Cantabria
StandardConsejería de Desarrollo Rural, Ganadería, Pesca y Biodiversidad, Cantabria (page 9723, in Spanish)
Usemilk
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    500 kg
  • Female:
    335 kg
Height
  • Male:
    148 cm
  • Female:
    133 cm
Coatred, varying from hazel to deep red
Horn statussmall horns in both sexes
  • Cattle
  • Bos (primigenius) taurus

The Pasiega is a traditional Spanish breed of red dairy cattle from the autonomous community of Cantabria in northern Spain. It originated in the Valles Pasiegos in south-eastern Cantabria. The name derives from that of the Pas River, which flows through that region. Because of the colour of its coat it may also be known as the Roja Pasiega or Rojina.

The Pasiega was believed to be extinct:106 until the late twentieth century, when a surviving group was identified. The breed was officially recognised in 2007.:468 It is one of only two autochthonous Spanish breeds of dairy cattle, the other being the Menorquina of Menorca in the Balearic Islands.:268