Wuling Cattle

Wuling Cattle

　　The area to the north of the Lou Shan, Wu Ling Shan, and Da Lou Shan mountain ranges in the production region sees frequent movement of cattle. The Enshi cattle from Hubei, Xiangxi cattle from Hunan, and Sinan cattle from Guizhou share the same origin, have largely similar ecological conditions, and exhibit very similar body types and appearances. They should be considered the same breed under different names, hence they are consolidated and collectively named Wuling Cattle. These cattle are distributed in the border areas of Hunan, Hubei, and Guizhou provinces. In western Hunan, they are mainly produced in six counties: Fenghuang, Dayong, Huayuan, Sangzhi, Yongshun, and Cili, among which the yellow cattle from Fenghuang County and Dayong County are of better quality. In northeastern Guizhou, they are primarily produced in seven counties: Sinan, Shiqian, Yanhe, Wuchuan, Dejiang, Daozhen, and Zheng’an. In southwestern Hubei, they are mainly found in the Enshi region.

　　[Historical Background]

　　The production region features vast grasslands and lush forage, providing ample grazing land and rich feed resources required for cattle farming. It is one of the important yellow cattle production areas in southern China. Historically, cattle were raised not only for farming but also for various other uses such as meat. For example, a folk song still circulating in western Hunan goes, “In Yabaizhai (now Heku, Fenghuang County), beef and tofu are served as side dishes.” The Yongshun County Annals record that “since the Ming Dynasty, large quantities of cowhide were either carried on shoulders or shipped by boat, sold eastward to Changde.” The prosperity of the cattle farming industry boosted the enthusiasm of people from all ethnic groups in the region to raise cattle.

　　The local ethnic groups in the production area not only value cattle farming but have also accumulated some valuable experience in cattle breeding. For instance, when selecting cows, they follow the saying: “A long tail with a thick root can provide shade (referring to —), ten calves and nine will stay.” In terms of breeding pair selection, there is the saying: “Judge a calf by its mother, and a good mother depends on finding the right bull,” among others. These practices have played a positive role in improving the quality of Wuling Cattle.