Cika
Cika cattle, also called Cika or Cikasto govedo in Slovenia, are a small native Alpine breed from Slovenia and neighboring mountain areas. They are red to chestnut with a characteristic white stripe along the back and underside, often with additional white markings on the head or legs. Traditionally they served as dual-purpose family cattle, giving modest milk for household use and calves for beef while grazing steep pastures that larger, more specialized breeds could not use as easily.
Modern Cika herds are closely tied to conservation farming, mountain grazing, and local food systems. The breed is valued for fertility, agility, hard feet, and efficient use of rough forage, but it is not meant to compete with high-output dairy cows in a barn. Small population size makes herdbook records and thoughtful bull choice important. For keepers, the practical appeal is a hardy cow that fits low-input pastures and helps maintain open Alpine landscapes.
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