Selection goals and program of the Maremmana and Podolica breeds

For the rustic breeds as well, the bull selection centers (1) play a leading role in the selection process and make it possible to identify the best bulls to be used for reproduction purposes. At the performance centers, the Maremmana and Podolica bulls are selected in order to increase growth capacity and muscle development and to improve morphology while mantaining the breed's valuable rustic traits. The Maremmana and Podolica ranches, which traditionally use open-pasture systems, are subdivided into two categories (A and B) based on the type of farm organization. The ranches that can set up pure natural-service groups with a single bull are included in class A (5), since correct paternity can be ascribed to the calves that are born. Instead, the ranches that use several bulls for each service group are unable to implement controlled insemination and are thus listed in class B (7) . The calves to be sent to the performance centers(6), the best females(5) and the males that are legally approved for natural reproduction come from class A ranches, while class B ranches can produce only replacement females (8) and purebreds or crossbreds for slaughter. In selecting the dams, consideration is ginven not only to genealogy and morphological characteristics, but also to maternal capability and reproductive efficiency, factors that are essential to achieving success in open-pasture breeding systems.