TRADITIONAL CATTLE

The territory of Sierra del Rincón has a clear cattle vocation by its environmental conditions, and man has developed this activity from his establishment, documented in XII century, which is reflected in the structure of its mounts and lands, in the organization of the cattle routes and in the rural architecture. Native cattle breeds that promoted cattle development and that still can be found are the following ones:

-Bovine cattle:  “Avileña Negra Ibérica” breed, originated in the mountainous zones of the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. It is emphasized by its capacity to use difficult zones, with good productive yields, its high fertility and its very marked maternal qualities. It is a very long-lived breed, appreciated by its tractioner capacity and resistance. The high quality of its meat has been recognized since former times.

-Ovine cattle: “Merina” breed, original from Spain and unique belonging to the merino branch present in the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by its high specialization for high quality wool production. The hair is the best element to define them, both due to its extension and density of fibers and to the peculiar characteristics of these ones, related to the refinement, undulations and uniformity. It is a breed of high rusticity and adaptation capacity to different environments, which has allowed its establishment anywhere in the world since XVIII century. The Merina breed is well-known and exploited in the Peninsula since past times, and acquired an special meaning on economy and policy fields, as well as in the society, representing an important chapter in the history of Spain.

- Apiculture: Apis mellifera iberica.