Żubroń
From Freepedia
Żubroń (pronounce: ['ʐubrɔɲ]) is a species of mammals, a hybrid of domestic cattle and Wisent.
It was first created by Leopold Walicki in 1847, although earlier natural creations might have been possible. After the 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. After World War II, since 1958 the works on żubroń herds were 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 late 1980's. However, although it ended up with success, it was discontinued and currently the only surviving herd consists of only several animals.
Żubrońs are heavy animals with males weighting 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, but their direct descendants can breed normally. Females can be cross-bred with both parent species, that is with cattle and wisents.
