Cattle : CHIANINA

Species: Bos taurus

Country of Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Australian Status: CRITICAL

International status: 47,236 registered in Italy. Found in several other countries.

Arrived in Australia: Straws from Canada in 1974.

Australian Population: 2019/2020 Unknown. Over 1,000 males and females have been registered since the breed came here (numbers of each gender unknown), but this number includes cows and bulls which would now be deceased. It is estimated there are 240 living cows.

2022 - only 67 in total rigistered (ARBA). Estimate 47 registered cows.

Distribution:

History: Mr. Bruzzese was one of the first to breed Chianina in Australia, having Promview Chianina Stud, using white Dairy Shorthorn to grade up as they were a good big size, and straws from Canada. As the market was not ready, with abbatoirs unable to handle the huge carcasses, he eventually ceased breeding. One of the big studs at the time was owned by Mr. Rick Pisaturo of Mandalong Stud near Yea, where other cattle breeds were also raised. Thanks to Mr. Bruzzese for this history.

Chianina are one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the world, from the Etruscan era and recorded in Roman times of 300 - 200 BC.

They have an ancient history of draught use and sacrificial uses. Beef became their main purpose, ironically after Christianity forbad animal sacrifice. Their size and beautiful white colour made them popular to pull carts, and to lead in parades for festivals; a tradition still continued. Their majestic gait is suited to special occasions, it makes them look proud.

They were introduced to Australia in 1974 as semen from Canada. More recently straws have come in from Italy.

Noel Cochrane of W.A.has used straws which had been frozen since 1975, from Countess Marinetta di Frassineto's famous Fontarronco herd of Tuscany (West Australian, 8.12.2017).

A polled white line, and a polled black line has been developed in Australia. The black comes from the famous Scottish Aberdeen Angus bull 'Pirate of Monkwood,' 38 years ago , who weighed 1200 kilos. (38 years ago from 2018), thank you for information from Chianina Waka-Doo Stud.

Breed Traits : The tallest breed of cattle in the world - close to 7 feet at the shoulder - they can weigh up to 1,800 kilos.

A slow maturing breed. Adults are white or pale silvery grey. The skin is pigmented black, as are tongue, eyes, nose and tail switch. This gives excellent resistance to sunburn, pink eye and eye cancer.

Long legged, they are great walkers with tough feet, great on big runs. In drought their ability to walk far to find feed and water sees them thrive. Heat tolerant. Good doers. Being used for draught work for thousands of years, they have developed good muscle structure with well balanced bodies, being strong and very well built  in the shoulders, back and quarters. 

The beef is famous for beautiful big eye steaks, being very lean meat that is nicely marbled for flavour and juiciness. Importantly, the meat is tender. A smoothly muscled, lean breed with very little wastage, even a small brisket and dewlap. Quality beef. It is traditionally presented with any outer fat trimmed off. Not butter soft as some expect of gourmet beef, it has a good texture, being a very satisfying steak with outstanding flavour and good bite, yielding to tenderness after aging. Carcass often aged ten days. Scientific studies in Italy, into the advantages of aging Chianina beef, have proven the tenderness is much improved by aging. The flavour is so good it's known as the best beef for making bolognese.

Due to a slim head and narrow shoulders, calving is easy. The gestation is longer than most breeds. Calves are all born fawn, and gradually go white before a year old. Udder is small but milk is sufficient to raise the calf well. They are good to cross breed with, as the black skin pigmentation is passed on, but the white hair rarely is, and they put height into crossbreds. Short slightly curved horns. 

A beautiful docile. friendly temperament.              

Organisation: The Chianina Society of Australia http://chianina.une.edu.au/   

Additional Notes:

Photo : A 2 year old bull, which weighed close to 1,000 kilos, at Melbourne Show in 1984. Kindly supplied by Mr. Eligio Bruzzese, although not his bull, he bred Chianina.

Page by Janet Lane

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