Spain to preserve genetic material of threatened Pasiega cattle

Spain has initiated a new measure to protect the Pasiega cattle, an indigenous bovine breed from Cantabria officially classified as threatened. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and the Pasiega Cattle Breeders Association have formalized an agreement to deposit genetic material from this breed into the National Animal Germplasm Bank located in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid.

This initiative aims to establish a genetic reserve that serves as a “backup” for the breed's reproductive resources. By maintaining material outside of its usual population, the resources will remain available to support the recovery of the breed or increase its genetic diversity if necessary in the future. The agreement was signed on August 28, 2026, and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on September 8.

The Government of Cantabria noted that this action is part of a broader strategy to conserve the region's indigenous livestock breeds. Experts emphasize that the project focuses on preserving the specific genetic variability of this particular cattle breed rather than an entire independent species.