Confrontation of Polish and Spanish beef cattle breeding

The farm where we stayed kept approx. 1,000 head of cattle belonging to various breeds and various age and technological groups. Among the breeds bred were Blonde d'Aquitaine, Limousine or Angus, which were crossed with each other to obtain a higher fattening value of the animals. The conditions under which the cattle are kept on this farm, located in the north-east of Spain, have been quite harsh. There was a definite water deficit. The pastures where the cattle were grazing were completely dry. Hence the breeders' decision to introduce the Angus breed, which copes better with difficult conditions and uses feeds with a lower nutritional value to a greater extent. Breeders in this area struggle with a deficit of roughage, which is why they use by-products from the vegetable industry, which reduces the cost of the prepared ration. The main advantage of this region is the reduced need for livestock facilities, as the ...