Welcome To The Locals Table

Have You Ever Heard About the Pontremolese Cow?

September 08, 2025 by The Locals' Table

Meet the Pontremolese Cow, An Ancient Breed From Northern Tuscany

The Pontremolese is an ancient, local cattle breed from the Lunigiana area of northern Tuscany, historically spread across the Apennines and the Magra–Vara valleys (today in Massa-Carrara and La Spezia). In nearby Piacenza/Oltrepò it was also known as Bettolese. Animals are horned with a golden-red coat, slate-grey skin and characteristic dark shading around the eyes; bulls are deeper red with a light dorsal stripe. Traditionally used in mixed mountain farming—and even as draught power for moving Carrara marble—the breed today is kept mainly for beef. It is officially recognized among Italy’s “minor breeds of limited diffusion” and protected by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Like many autochthonous Tuscan breeds, the Pontremolese suffered a severe decline due to crossbreeding and replacement by higher-yield commercial types. Numbers hit an historic low around 2008, then climbed modestly to a few dozen to ~70–100 animals in recent years; conservation status remains critical. The breed is listed in the AIA register of at-risk native breeds and benefits from regional safeguard projects (Tuscany/Emilia-Romagna). Local reintroduction efforts in Lunigiana and Slow Food’s Ark of Taste nomination underline its cultural value.

From a husbandry perspective, Pontremolese cattle are rustic and well adapted to marginal Apennine environments. They utilize rough pastures, and show good maternal traits. Beyond beef, niche dairy use exists locally (single-breed cheeses). Genetic surveys place Pontremolese alongside other Tuscan natives (Calvana, Garfagnina) and highlight the need to maintain diversity within small founder populations—an argument for targeted breeding plans and producer networks that valorize certified, place-based products.