Cachena

The Cachena is a very small mountain cattle breed from northern Portugal and Galicia in Spain, especially areas around Peneda-Gerês and the Ourense highlands. It has a compact body, light frame, hard feet, and long sweeping horns that can look oversized on such a small animal. Cows are typically yellowish, chestnut, or brown, often with darker shading. The breed was shaped by steep ground, rough pasture, and small family farms rather than by intensive production systems.

Cachena cattle are kept today for beef, heritage grazing, and genetic conservation, with some regional beef programs linked to their traditional range. They suit extensive hill grazing where larger cattle may lose condition, but their small size does not remove the need for secure fencing, mineral support, and calm handling facilities. Breeding programs usually value thrift, mothering ability, horn structure, and registered purebred lines in a population with limited numbers.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow