The Istrian cattle, also called Boškarin, belongs to the European cattle group Bos primigenius and originated from the Istria and Kvarner islands. In the past, Istrian cattle was bred in the Slovenian and Croatian part of Istria. The population size in the 1950s and 1960s was 50.000 animals and due to the different factors declined to only 100 heads in 1990s. Local farmer’s claims that in 2000 few animals were present in Slovenia, however after that period disappear from our country. With great efforts of few Croatian farmers and Istrian local government, the breed was successfully rescued and re-introduced to farms as well as product successfully put in the market in Croatia. Transboundary collaboration between neighbouring countries resulted in 10 pregnant cows imported in Slovenia in 2012. Today, the population in Slovenia accounts 45 cows included in the Croatian herd book to additional 1800 animals in Croatia. Istrian cattle is not recognized as Slovenian native breed, due to the legal constraints. Association of breeders together with all involved stakeholders are working together towards the formal recognition of the breed in the future. 

photo: M. Simčič

15.04.2021