This is the gendus (Pron. G (as in game)- end – uss (as in puss)), or Maltese bull or ox. I had never seen one before last Sunday. Some years ago I came to know that the gendus is unique to Malta. It was almost completely extinct until some years ago when a Maltese man found one in a secluded farm, mated it with a similar species from Italy and now breeds it just to keep the species from disappearing for good.
I have also learnt that the gendus was:
1. A very strong beast
2. A hard worker in the fields
3. Did not produce much milk
4. Did not give good beef.
With the era of farm machinery and the importation of milking cows and bovines for slaughter the gendus lost its battle for survival, save for this man who had the sublime idea to save the species.
I saw this guy at St Julians when I went to watch a re-enactment for Lapsi Day. More shots and info to follow.
Joke: A lady from the city and her traveling companion were riding through open country when she noticed some cows.
"What a cute bunch of cows!" she remarked.
"Not a bunch, herd", her friend replied.
"Heard of what?"
"Herd of cows."
"Of course I've heard of cows."
"No, a cow herd."
"What do I care what a cow heard. I have no secrets to keep from a cow!"
Thank you very much for looking and for the lovely comments and the fa'vs on yesterday's picture.
Bravo to the gentleman who went to the effort to save this species from extinction. What a beautiful beast this one is — its colorings are quite handsome.
