Żubroń
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Żubroń (pronounce: ['ʐubrɔɲ]) or Zubron is a species of mammal, a hybrid of domestic cattle and wisent. The Wisent (Żubr in Polish[1])is the European Bison hence the Zubron is analogous to the American Beefalo.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. During the first 16 years of experiments a total of 71 animals were born, including Filon, the first żubroń born to a żubroń mother (August 6, 1960).
The animal was to become a durable and cheap alternative to cattle and the experiment was continued until the late 1980s. The two notable centres of experiments on the species were Łękno (391 animals altogether) and Popielno (121 animals). Limited experiments were also held in the reserve of Askania Nova in the USSR. 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.
