Istrian Original Cattle (Boskarin)
Boskarin, Istrian cattle, is an Istrian autochthonous breed inhabiting the Slovenian and Croatian Istria and also the Croatian Kvarner islands.
Istrian cattle is foremost a working breed, used by the Istrian farmers for work in the field. Strong Boskarin oxes were famous for pulling carts with heavy loads on rugged terrain while enduring long distances.
Due to ever rising development and use of agricultural machinery, Boskarin has come to the brink of extinction. From approx. 50 000 head in the 1950-1960 period, Istrian cattle number dropped to approx. 100 head in 1990s.
However, because of tight emotional bond between the Istrians and their cattle, the breed was rescued from extinction. Istrian cattle now have also a tourist significance like in the Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper in Slovenian Istria (Check photos below).
Boskarin cattle munching green leaves of reeds in Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper, Slovenia.
Boskarin cattle males can weigh 1200-1400 kg. Here is one such magnificent animal photographed at Skocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by Koper, Slovenia.
All images © 2017-2019 Sreco Tzar. All rights reserved.