Robusta Lionata

Geographic origin: Veneto (Rovigo)

Geographic distribution: Veneto

Estimated total population size: 452 (Castillo et al., 2021)

Extinction risk status (FAO, 1998): Threatened conserved

Historical origin of the breed

The Robusta Lionata breed was created in 1965 at the Poultry Experimental Station of Rovigo. It was created using the Tawny Orpington and White America breeds during the selection process. The breed is characterised by good egg and meat production, and it is reared for niche products. Hens show high aptitude for broodiness and parental care, also towards eggs and chicks of other species. It is included as a local breed in the National Plan on Biodiversity in Agriculture and in the Atlas of Traditional Agri-food Products (Atlante dei Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali) of the Veneto region.

Pictures from the archives of Prof. Gabriele Baldan and Prof. Massimo De Marchi.

Qualitative morphological traits

Feather morphology: Normal

Feather distribution: Normal

Plumage structure: Abundant, slightly soft

Plumage colours: Tawny

Colour features: Bi-colour, without sexual dimorphism

Colour pattern: In the male, yellow-tawny of a warm tone, hackle feathers with black and irregular spots or pencilling, flight feathers with brown veining. In the female, slight patterning on the back is admitted.