Introduction to the project and the importance of autochthonous breeds

Working on the implementation of various projects, usually at the beginning, some projects often seemed less interesting to me. However, during their implementation, as we became acquainted with the details, the projects took on a different and more interesting character, from which ideas for new projects were later born. The same happened with the project supporting livestock farmers who breed autochthonous breeds of domestic animals in Montenegro, a project implemented by the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije (RDA BKP) during 2025. About the autochthonous breeds of domestic animals in Montenegro, we at RDA BKP knew, like most people, that they exist and that they are endangered. About their numbers, varieties, characteristics, way of life, importance, and the benefits they provide, we did not know much. The aforementioned project that we implemented allowed us to learn about various autochthonous breeds, primarily sheep and cattle, which have survived in Montenegro for centuries.

By: Ivan Mališić

Historical roots and katuns

The story of autochthonous breeds is inseparable from livestock farmers, izdig (seasonal migration), and katuns in Montenegro. The first migrations, routes of movement, and paths of people through mountain ranges were forged by sheep, goats, and cattle seeking grazing grounds. Livestock farming reached our Mediterranean regions during the 7th millennium BC from the Middle East. Coastal areas were insufficient for year-round grazing, so high-mountain pastures above the forest belt became crucial. Transhumance (izdig or the seasonal migration of livestock) developed as a way of linking winter Mediterranean pastures with summer mountain pastures.

Characteristics and endangerment status of autochthonous breeds

The livestock farmers we visited during the project, and who keep autochthonous breeds of sheep and cattle, primarily keep them because they love these breeds. Autochthonous breeds are a unique genetic heritage created over hundreds and thousands of years in a specific area, according to Prof. Božidarka Marković from the Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica. The livestock farmers who keep them inherited them from their grandfathers and fathers and continue to rear them, but for how long remains unknown. It matters to them to whom they will leave their flock as an inheritance tomorrow. They also keep them for economic benefit, although it should be emphasised that autochthonous breeds have low productivity, meaning they yield less meat and milk, but of higher quality. Partly because of this, they are disappearing. They are most commonly kept in the most remote and passive areas. They are important because they developed naturally, without human intervention, adapted to local natural conditions, fall ill less easily, and are easier to rear. The Pivska Pramenka, even when snow falls, finds grass by digging through the snow, while the Buša in the Lake Skadar region spends sweltering summer days in the water all day long. They are healthy, and the products obtained from them are of high quality and safe. They have invaluable worth and enormous significance in protecting biodiversity, preserving pastures and mountains. The autochthonous sheep breeds present in Montenegro today are: Pivska Pramenka, Bardoka, Ljaba, Žuja (Zetska and Piperska), Sora, and Sjenička sheep. Among cattle, it is the Buša. All are endangered, most notably the Buša, with only 150–200 breeding females remaining. Among sheep, the Zetska Žuja is critical and at risk of extinction, with up to 200 head, while for the Sora and Ljaba breeds, around 1,500 individuals remain each, source Prof. Božidarka Marković, Biotechnical Faculty, Podgorica.

Institutional support and challenges

Montenegro has legislation (the Law on Livestock Farming) and international obligations regarding the conservation of autochthonous breeds. Funds are allocated from the agricultural budget to support livestock farmers who keep autochthonous breeds (from €15 for sheep up to €1,000 for a Buša bull). There is no other support. Furthermore, there has been no support from EU and other funds, except for a GEF project, which was the only one of its kind over the past decade or longer. Given that this involves a small total number of autochthonous animals, support should be more generous, especially considering the potential benefits and importance. There is immense room for improving the knowledge of livestock farmers who keep autochthonous breeds, and therefore the competent institutions (the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, together with the Biotechnical Faculty) should strengthen their capacities (especially regarding field visits to farmers) and transfer knowledge to livestock farmers.

The Istrian example: Preservation of the Boškarin

In our region, there is a good example of the sustainable development of a once-threatened autochthonous breed – the Istrian Boškarin cattle. While on a study visit to Istria, I had the opportunity to observe the entire process, from conservation to the advancement of the Istrian Boškarin cattle’s existence. In the 1990s, the Boškarin was on the brink of extinction, with only around 100 breeding females remaining. Thanks to an institutional approach and a long-term conservation and development programme, the Boškarin has now recovered to around 2,500 head and is no longer considered an endangered breed. In Istria, it all started with state subsidies – livestock farmers received incentives for keeping breeding stock, reported calvings, and cooperated with professional services. Maintaining herd books and preserving the genetic code was carried out by the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food. In the initial phase, when the breed was on the verge of disappearing, this support was decisive. An organised breeding programme – systematic selection, stud books, and controlled breeding – enabled an increase in head count and the preservation of genetic diversity. The local Agency for Rural Development of Istria monitored the entire process, cooperated with state institutions, and most importantly worked on connecting livestock farmers with the market, namely, caterers and restaurateurs. Everything was achieved through sound cooperation among farmers, expert institutions, and caterers.

Market valorisation and tourism potential

In economics, producing something is futile if there is no buyer for those products (even agricultural ones). That means, alongside preserving the Boškarin, it was necessary to create a value for which market demand would exist. In Istria, an exclusive gastronomic product was created – Boškarin delicacies prepared in various ways (goulash, carpaccio, steak, sausages, etc.) – which commanded a higher price due to the meat quality of the autochthonous breed and its gastronomic prestige. Moreover, Istrians have successfully linked agricultural production with tourism. In Montenegro, we have numerous autochthonous breeds with an exceptionally small number of head, so market placement should not be a challenge. The sale of products obtained from autochthonous breeds could take place on rural households where autochthonous breeds are reared, or in restaurants that would prepare such specialities. Guests visiting Montenegro are undoubtedly interested in tasting a high-quality autochthonous gastronomic speciality.

Perspectives and life in the katuns

Today, livestock farming is an occupation in Montenegro that is less readily chosen. It requires dedication and time, like any job, and can be pursued by young people who grew up alongside livestock during their childhood. There are modest examples of younger people taking up livestock farming from scratch in Montenegro, but very few. With a view to preserving autochthonous breeds and livestock farming in general, efforts should be made to retain younger family members whose households have already engaged in livestock farming traditionally, for decades. The livestock farmers we visited during the project shared their experience, which inspires optimism: that this nomadic way of living and working gives them peace, freedom, enjoyment of nature, and a good income that increases year by year. Traditional, healthy, and high-quality products are gaining in importance. Territorial and communication barriers are diminishing, while life in urban areas is becoming increasingly unbearable. Most importantly of all, they are their own masters on their own land. That is something money can hardly buy.