It was first created by Leopold Walicki in 1847, although earlier natural creations might have been possible. After World War I various scientists thought of żubroń as a possible replacement to domestic cattle. Żubroń turned out to be durable and almost impregnable to disease. In addition, it could be bred on wasteland, without any farm infrastructure and with minimal husbandry. Since 1958 the work on żubroń herds was continued by the Polish Academy of Sciences in various laboratories, most notably in Białowieża and Młodzikowo. The animal was to become a durable and cheap alternative to cattle and the experiment was continued until the late 1980s. However, it was discontinued and currently the only surviving herd consists of only several animals and is kept at Bialowieski National Park.

Żubrońs are heavy animals with males weighing up to 1200 kilogrammes and females up to 810 kg. They are strong, immune to most diseases and harsh weather. Males are infertile in first generation. Females are fertile and can be cross-bred with both parent species, i.e. with cattle or wisents, and males from these backcrosses are fertile.

See also

• Beefalo

Hybrid bovines | Cattle breeds | Beef | 1847 introductions | Żubroń