«Animals are like our own children»

Since World War II, there has been a progressive loss of local breeds, which have been replaced by larger, more productive, and less resistant animals. Crossbreeding has given rise to individuals still adapted to the conditions of the area but, on the other hand, it has caused the disappearance of the more resistant local cows. These animals, which were thinner and smaller, are less appealing to butchers whose preference goes towards animals belonging to selective breeds, with well-developed hindquarters allowing a greater use of meat.  On the other hand, nowadays, city-based consumers prefer tender beef and show little appreciation for the more genuine and tougher meat of free-range livestock.