Lisbon, March 8, 2026 (Lusa) - A small group of cattle breeders has managed to revive the Algarve cattle breed, which had been considered extinct, and is now committed to increasing their numbers so they can be sold.
“What we want to do is create a niche market for purebred animals, which will then justify starting to market them,” producer Afonso Nascimento, who is also president of the Algarve Cattle Breeders' Association (ASCAL), told the Lusa news agency.
In the 1950s, there were more than 20,000 head of Algarve cattle, but the mechanisation of agriculture, the introduction of exotic breeds, and the progressive abandonment of the fields reduced their numbers, and this breed was even considered extinct.
In 2005, in a joint effort by ASCAL, the then Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Fisheries (DRAP) of the Algarve, and the Directorate-General for Veterinary Services, a study was carried out that allowed the recovery of the breed to begin.
“It is a breed that was on the verge of extinction. In 2019-2020, we had a very small population and it so happens that all the investment was made to rehabilitate this breed that was completely dead, it had disappeared,” said Afonso Nascimento.
According to figures from ASCAL, which has been responsible for the Algarve Cattle Breed Genealogical Book since 2005, the number of animals considered to be purebreds of this breed rose from five in 2018 to 27 in 2024 and then to 47 in 2025.
The Algarve Cattle Breed Genealogical Book is the official register for the identification and zootechnical control of animals of this breed.
“What led us to invest in this breed is, purely and simply, just a whim, a taste, and not letting what a tradition and part of the culture here in the Algarve and in the municipality of Vila was do Bispo die out,” he continued.
At least five producers are interested in developing this breed, with farms located in the municipalities of Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Portimão, Silves, and Tavira, in the district of Faro.
One of the pioneers of this movement to revive the Algarve breed is António Figueiras, who continues to try to encourage the production of these animals.
“The interest is that my father also had Algarve cows, he even had breeding bulls, and it was something that stuck with me, and after all these years, I had the conditions to have the animals. And so, I've been moving forward with this,” he said.
António Figueiras believes that in the future, animals of this breed could have sufficient economic value to be sold, like other animals, through normal distribution channels.
“I think so. If things continue to evolve, as they are evolving in terms of meat, then later on, as long as there are enough centres to collect the animals for slaughter and distribution, I think it could be a good business,” he said.
Despite his age, he is confident in the future of the investment made so far: “I'll continue as long as I can, but if I can't, someone else will take over and continue with this,” he said.
About 10 years ago, António Figueiras had two cattle of this breed and currently has about 20 animals, including males, females, and calves.
“I like this breed because it is a breed from the Algarve, a breed that my father had, that many people had. There were hundreds and thousands of these animals in the Algarve, and I think it's sad that they disappeared just like that, from one moment to the next,” said António Figueiras.
One entity that has been supporting producers of the Algarve cattle breed is the Algarve Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR), which created the 'Saborear o Algarve' brand as the next step in promoting products related to these animals.
“There are still very few animals. We are still in a phase of multiplication. The initial goal now is to increase the number of animals, and later we will try to add value by giving more value to the meat products that will come from here,” said João Santana, head of the CCDR's Technical Support and Proximity Division.
The Algarve breed is a native cattle breed from southern Portugal, traditionally adapted to the hot, dry climate of the Algarve and extensive grazing systems. It is considered a rustic breed with dual aptitude (meat and work).
“For now, these animals are very well adapted to our climate, to this region. They are animals that are not very demanding in terms of food, that have a much greater capacity to adapt than exotic breeds and are much less demanding in terms of food,” said the CCDR technician.
For this entity, the breed has “a genetic heritage that is unique in the world”, and there are reasons to continue to support producers who are interested in these cattle, although the aid provided is considered insufficient by them.
Breeders of Algarve cattle can apply for annual financial support to maintain the breed's numbers and encourage the conservation of indigenous genetic heritage.
FPB/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
