Pineywoods Cattle
Association

The Pineywoods Cattle Association

The purpose of the association is to ensure the long term survival of the breed and its history. Maintaining an accurate recording of the pedigree of the cattle allows us to closely monitor strains/bloodlines with extremely low numbers and develop breeding plans to maintain viability within those strains.

​The collection of data helps breeders fine tune their breeding programs, choosing genetics that fit best with their system and goals.

We strive to connect breeders with the resources they need to solve problems and build the most efficient herd management strategies for their farms.

landrace noun
land·​race | \ ˈlan(d)-ˌrās \

Definition of landrace
: a local variety of a species of plant or animal that has distinctive characteristics arising from development and adaptation over time to conditions of a localized geographic region and that typically displays greater genetic diversity than types subjected to formal breeding practices
Dr. Sponenberg’s article on the subject

Historic Pineywoods vs Today’s Pineywoods

Pineywoods, from the time they came ashore until the time the last free range herds were put into confinement, were able to sustain themselves by moving away from threats be it starvation, predators or lack of a mineral need. As hardy as Pineywoods cattle are once you restrict their ability to freely travel to fulfill their needs you take on the responsibility of seeing that their needs are met.

Pineywoods have the same basic needs as any other fenced in cattle:

Food ~ Water ~ Minerals ~ Parasite control
and someone to put their eyes on them and check their condition

Pineywoods are adept at making the most out of the conditions they are given but you must use common sense. In the past some have tried to raise Pineywoods by fencing them in a woodlot and checking on them from time to time with no thought to worming. They might “survive” under these conditions, but they won’t thrive.

Why Consider Pineywoods Cattle?

Body type
Small framed, well balanced
Within the different strains some are more “rangy” with longer legs and a longer torso, and some are shorter and square. A guinea (dwarf) gene does exist in some stains, although it is rare.

Size
3/4 of a cattle ‘unit’ by grazing standards. Cows range 600-900lbs. Bulls range 800-1200lbs.

Color and pattern
Color and pattern varies widely within the breed from reds, black, yellow, white, and even grey. Some strains are known for specific patterns or colors based on the preferences of those early family’s that bred them. Many solid, speckled and brindle colors appear as well as most of the wild type cattle patterns.

Temperament
Some strains are known for being more docile than others. Within the strains temperament varies by herd and handling. Calves tend to follow the behavior of their mothers. Herds also tend to revert to a more wild state when management is “hands off” and more managable when management is more “hands on”.

Horns
Horn shape and size vary by strain. Generally they follow the look of their Iberian ancestors. They tend to be medium to long, turning out or up, some with distinctly Spanish twists. Polled genetics do exist in some strains.