The Cows

Valdostan Cattle

Every cow has its name

In Valle d'Aosta every cow has its name, two horns and a cowbell; each cow has a story that speaks of mountain pasture and milk, which refers to the centuries-old Fontina PDO cheese.

They are dairy cattle that also possess a specific characteristic, which makes them very adaptable to high mountains and high-altitude meadowsOver the centuries, the people of the Valle d'Aosta have selected a breed of cattle with special characteristics, endowed with great locomotor capacity, even on steep slopes, resistant and particularly suited to the harsh climates of the Alps.

Breeds

Valle d'Aosta cattle belong to three particularly defined and selected breeds, the Valdostana Pezzata Rossa, which is probably descended from the peated cattle of northern Europe and is a breed introduced into the Aosta Valley by the Burgundians towards the end of the 5th century. It is also the most generous species in milk production.

La Valdostana Pezzata Nera and Castana are the other two breeds present in the region and are equally well adapted to the characteristics of the Aosta Valley terrain. Moreover, just like the Pezzata Rossa, they are at ease grazing the alpine pastures at high altitudes.

Pezzata Rossa

Black Spotted

Castana

Les Reines

the title of “Reina delle Reines”.”

The two breeds show similar characteristics and overall lower milk production than the Valdostana Pezzata Rossa. These cows are also characterised by their agility in moving around in the steepest pastures and give rise to a curious peculiarity: they animate fights to establish the hierarchy within the herd.

Hence the famous “Batailles des Reines”, an annual knockout competition held from spring to autumn to award the title of “Reina delle Reines”, an expression (Queen of Queens) that mixes patois, Italian and French terms.

A competition in which the elite of the Aosta Valley cows take to the field. The winner, the Reina, is rewarded with the cowbell and the typical “bosquet”a fir tree branch decorated with red ribbons and flowers. The “Bataille”, over time, has become a tradition that is also a festive occasion passed down through generations.

A event, between folklore and typicality, which every year attracts thousands of spectators from neighbouring regions such as Piedmont, Savoy (France) and the Valeis (Switzerland).