Saving a unique breed of blue cows from extinction in Latvia
A traveler crossing the Latvian countryside is surprised by the sight of a light or dark blue cow quietly grazing among brown, black or white cattle... This unique breed that practically disappeared during the Soviet era, has made a strong comeback in recent decades and has become an extraordinary symbol of national identity. in Latvia.
"The bad cow days are over," said Arnis Bergmanis, head of the Ceroli Zoo in the village of Calvin, a center for breeding blue cows.
"The blue cows are unique and wonderful," he told AFP while examining a young calf. "I'm glad we can help them grow."
In the year 2000, there were only 18 blue cows in Latvia, while there are currently about 1500 purebred and crossbred cows.
It used to be limited to the Baltic coast in the province of Courland, but it became more popular in the center of the country.
"We are pleased to be able to help every farmer or guest house owner get their own blue cow," says Bergmanis.
Rural farm owners buy these cows to attract tourists, while farmers add them to their herds to take advantage of their strong maternal instincts.
"If a calf of any kind loses its mother or separates from her, the blue cow will adopt it and raise it as if it were its own son," Bergmanis explains.
- A cultural symbol -
Blue cows grew up on the coast, where they lived a difficult lifestyle, surviving by nibbling on bush branches and sand dune grass, an inedible forage for other livestock.
It is rumored that these cows got their blue color from the sea, although they are actually born beige.
Her skin quickly turns blue and darkens over the years.
The pigment travels to bovine muscle tissue, producing exceptionally dark meat.
However, there are still very few blue cows for large-scale marketing.
When the communists came to power under the Soviet occupation, they concentrated on mass production of beef, milk and its derivatives, preferring cattle from the more common breeds and making blue cows on the brink of extinction.
But a theatrical act was enough to save the situation.
After the success of the play "The Blue One" by playwright Gunnars Pride, which was shown in the seventies, this distinctive cow has regained its place in the collective consciousness of the population, becoming one of the symbols of national identity threatened with demise.
In 2006, farmers, scientists and interested people established the Blue Cow Association to save this breed, and the government also gave subsidies to blue cow breeders.
- 'Strong and independent' -
A blue cow produces less milk than a normal cow, about 5,000 liters per year, compared to 8,000 liters produced by another Holstein cow, but the milk of a blue cow is considered to be healthier and more nutritious.
This type of cow is also distinguished by its ability to adapt to difficult life conditions, according to the president of the Blue Cow Association, Daiga Simkevica.
"The blue cow is strong, independent and can stay outdoors all year round, even during winter frosts that other breeds can't stand," he told AFP.
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