Sayaguesa

The Sayaguesa is an old Spanish cattle breed from the Sayago district of Zamora, near the Portuguese border. It is a large, hardy Bos taurus breed with a dark coat, pale muzzle, strong legs, and long horns that give it a primitive Iberian appearance. Historically it was used for draft work, meat, and low-input farming on rough grazing, and it is sometimes discussed in relation to aurochs-like cattle because of its size, horn shape, and natural-looking build.

Today Sayaguesa cattle are kept mainly in conservation herds, extensive beef systems, and rewilding or landscape-grazing projects. They suit handlers who can manage large, horned cattle with calm facilities and enough space for ranging behavior. The breed's value lies less in high commercial output than in hardiness, grazing ability, maternal traits, and genetic heritage. Breeding programs generally emphasize maintaining pure lines, avoiding excessive inbreeding, and selecting cattle that can thrive on seasonal pasture with modest supplementation.

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