History
Sykia is the second Greek cattle steppe breed. It is named after the village of Sykia in the Sithonia peninsula of Chalkidiki widely considered the breed’s original stronghold. Sykia cattle, contrary to those of Katerini, are not typical representatives of the steppe cattle group. It is conjectured that the original population stems from crosses of indigenous podolic type cattle and the Vrahicheros breed. The combination of genes produced smaller steppe type cattle compared to other podolic breeds but larger than Vrahicheros. The breed’s features resulted from its adaptation to the environment and climatic conditions in Chalkidiki and its ability to utilize the region’s natural resources.
A state stud farm for the Sykia breed operated until 1923 supplying working animals to farmers throughout Chalkidiki. At that time Sykia cattle had a population of 13,000. The expansion of arable land and the corresponding reduction in pastureland led to an overall decrease in the number of Sykia cattle. By 1936, only 1330 animals remained. In the following decades the breed was studied by “Amalthia Network”, a pure herd of Sykia cattle was identified at Olympiada (Chalkidiki) and certified by the Thessaloniki CAGR. Later, two more pure Sykia herds were located in Sochos and Ierissos. In 2015 with funds provided by SAVE Foundation, “Amalthia Network” founded a new Sykia breeding nucleus in Perdika Thesprotia.
Morphological Traits
Sykia are medium size cattle. Height at the withers for bulls is 108-120 cm and for cows 106-116 cm. Average weight for bulls is 285 kg and cows 250 kg.
Their morphology displays features of primitive cattle with more developed foreparts. The head is harmonious with a wide forehead and a mealy muzzle. Horns are cylindrical, relatively slender, lyre shaped with a light base and dark tips. They are, of average length in bulls and longer in cows with the external curve length ranging from 27-47 cm. Adult bulls demonstrate well developed dewlaps.
Their colour is usually grey with some animals being light ash-grey to black-grey and rarely, red-grey or fire red. The Bull’s coat colour is darker overall. The dorsal, upper thoracic and abdominal areas are often lighter coloured. Many animals exhibit a narrow light or dark dorsal stripe. Irrespective of coat colour the skin throughout the body is dark as are the hooves.
Population
The greater part of the Sykia population resides within Chalkidiki and adjacent prefectures. In 2019 according to data supplied by CAGR, 583 animals, had been declared. Nonetheless, it is estimated that the number of pure bred animals does not exceed 200. The population of the breed is considered ‘Endangered’.