Taurus Project

Herds of these cross-bred Taurus cattle have been established in Germany, Denmark, Hungary and Latvia, and are used in conservation of natural landscapes and biodiversity.

[3] Therefore, the goal is to breed cattle that are considerably larger, more long-legged and long-snouted and have horns curving forwards, in addition to possessing the wild type colour scheme that was already present in the population.

[2] In Germany, Taurus cattle herds are crossed with Chianina and Sayaguesa, two very tall breeds, and initially also the Spanish fighting bull (Toro de Lidia).

The crossbred animals in the Lippeaue reserve, the most important breeding location, are composed of 47% Sayaguesa, 29% Heck cattle, 20% Chianina and 4% Lidia on average.

[4] Hortobágy National Park in Hungary has the largest herd of Taurus cattle so far, counting 500–600 individuals of which around 200 are mature cows.

The Taurus bull "Lamarck" (50% Sayaguesa, 25% Heck, 25% Chianina) in the Lippeaue reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia
Chianina is one of the breeds that are used in breeding Taurus cattle.
Taurus bull
The Taurus bull "Leonardo" ( Chianina × Heck ) from Lille Vildmose, 2004
Skull of a Taurus bull