 In the late 19th and early 20th centuries a number of attempts were made to improve the breed by cross-breeding with Merino, Rambouillet, Barbaresca, Gentile di Puglia, Sopravissana and Vissana breeds among others.These experiments invariably had a negative impact on milk production.Recent selection has been aimed at improving the conformation of the udder and at making it more suitable for mechanised milking.