PITA PINTA
The Pinta Asturiana is the only native chicken breed in the Principality of Asturias and it belongs to the Atlantic trunk. It almost disappeared until a limited number of animals were detected in remote areas of this province in the 80s. A breeders' association, the Asociación de Criadores de la Pita Pinta Asturiana, was created in 2003 to preserve its genetic heritage. One year later, it was included in the Official Catalog of Spanish breeds as a native Asturian breed of special protection in danger of extinction. The official census of this breed for Asturias reveals that there are 41 farms managing a total of 3.863 animals nowadays.
There are four varieties according to the plumage color: Pinta Negra (mottled black with long white feathers); Pinta Roxa (mottled red-brown); Blanca (white in all sections); and Abedul (black in all sections or with mantle).
It is of medium weight; cocks weight around 3.75 kg, hens about 2.25 kg. It is also a regular layer (up to 160 eggs/year) and the color of the eggs is light brown.
This breed is managed semi-free, extensive for eggs and/or meat production although it is also frequently used for leisure purposes.
Its diet consists on cereals and pasture-based feed supplemented with minimal amounts of compound feed, except in cases of leisure use.
