Known for their smaller size and brown colour, Busha cattle have withstood the harsh climate and living conditions in mountainous parts of the Balkan Peninsula for centuries. In Serbia, the Busha breed is not only an important element of animal genetic diversity, but also a source of food and income for residents of remote areas. Yet, the local breed is currently facing extinction due to the limited population numbers, low production values, and reduction of living environment.

To this end, an FAO project is focusing on collecting and reviewing baseline information about Busha population numbers, production indicators, and environmental, genotypic, and phenotypic data, as well as conducting consultations with relevant breeders and farmers, to establish the basis for the conservation and development of the cattle breed.