Autochthonous Breeds

At least three autochthonous breeds of domestic animals originate from the wide area of TNP, i.e. the Julian Alps:

• the Drežnica goat breed
• the Bovec sheep breed
• the Cika cattle breed

Preservation of these breeds is important for the following reasons:

• genetic aspect (pool of certain characteristics which are important for breeding but have nearly disappeared from highly selected breeds)
• landscape aspect (these breeds are the most suitable for their habitats because they have fully adapted to the natural conditions, and as such they can best preserve the cultural landscape)
• cultural and ethnological aspect (these breeds are a result and a living proof of long-term successful breeding practices in a certain area, which makes them valuable in terms of culture and ethnology)

Drežnica goat breed
The Drežnica goat is the only autochthonous goat breed in Slovenia. It originates from the north-eastern part of Slovenia, from the area of Drežnica and Bovec. Owing to a very small population and the impact of other breeds, the Drežnica goat is currently found on the list of endangered breeds. It is a combined breed, characterised by high resistance and ability to adapt to extensive breeding. Its physical characteristics are those important for breeding in mountain areas. The Drežnica goat can be subdivided into the Drežnica meat breed and Drežnica milk breed.

Bovec sheep breed
The breed is indigenous to the Upper Soča Valley. This Slovene autochthonous breed remains linked to its area of origin, although its high adaptability has enabled it to spread to other parts of Slovenia. The Bovec sheep breed has a firm genetic code which proves that it is an old breed, carefully selected generation by generation.
Up to the present day, the breed has followed its main objective: adaptability to harsh and modest breeding conditions, ability to graze in hilly and mountain meadows, calm temperament, longevity and resistance.

Cika
The Cika cattle has evolved from the light red single-coloured cattle. In the second half of the 19th century, the cows of indigenous breed were crossbred with the Pinzgauer breed.
The variety of the breed which lives in the Upper Soča Valley is called the Tolmin Cika Cattle. The animals are red, with a typical white strip. As the Cika cattle is highly adaptable, small in size and weight, it is suitable for breeding in mountainous regions, where conditions are unfavourable for grazing and production of fodder.