Reggiana
(most common name)
(transboundary/brand name)

(local/other name):
• Formentina
• Raza Reggiana
• Vacca Rossa

By the 1880s, the Reggiana was well known in their native northern Italian home of Parma and Reggio Emilia. Official recognition and the establishment of a herdbook did not occur until 1935.

Despite their popularity, Reggiana cattle declined in numbers due to the importation and use of Holstein and Swiss Brown cattle. Conservation activities starting in the 1980s and the revival of the herdbook in 1985 have helped their numbers recover, however they are still considered ‘at risk’ as a breed.

The Reggiana gives milk with a high casein content that is then made into a breed-specific brand of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-20

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