Red Mingrelian
The red Mingrelian is a local cattle type from Mingrelia, or Samegrelo, in western Georgia, where small farm herds were selected around a red coat, compact build, and usefulness in humid lowlands and nearby foothills. English-language documentation is limited, and the name may appear as Mingrelian Red or Red Megrelian. It is best understood as a regional landrace or traditional breed rather than a widely standardized commercial dairy or beef breed.
Management is usually smallholder based: cows supply family milk and calves, while hardy animals graze village pastures, rough grass, orchard edges, and crop aftermath. Preservation depends on keeping identifiable breeding females and avoiding uncontrolled absorption into higher-output dairy breeds. For researchers, conservation programs, or buyers, local records, owner knowledge, and photographs are important because the label can be confused with other red Caucasian cattle. Housing should suit western Georgia's wet climate, with dry resting areas and practical parasite control.
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
