Criollo — መግዛት ወይም መሸጥ

Breed history: Criollo is a group of cattle breeds that originated from Iberian cattle brought to America. The first cows that became the ancestors of Criollo arrived in America with Christopher Columbus during his second expedition in 1493. These animals were selected in Andalusia (Spain) and were known for their endurance and hardiness. Subsequent expeditions contributed to the spread of cattle across the continent. In various regions of America, from Patagonia to North America, Criollo adapted to local conditions, forming different ecotypes. This process lasted for centuries, and as a result of natural selection and human breeding, numerous varieties of Criollo were developed, each adapted to specific climatic and geographical conditions. An important milestone was the identification of distinct Criollo breeds in different countries. For example, the Argentine Criollo received official recognition in 1990. Other countries, such as Mexico and the USA, also have their own varieties of Criollo, each with its own characteristics. In some regions, Criollo remained semi-wild for a long time, and their domestication and targeted breeding began only in the 17th century. Exterior: Criollo cows are of medium size. Adult bulls typically weigh between 450 and 570 kg, while cows weigh between 360 and 450 kg. These animals have a angular body shape that does not appear massive, yet they possess good musculature. Height at the withers and chest circumference can vary depending on the conditions of keeping and subtype. Criollo have strong but not overly long legs, allowing them to move easily across different types of terrain. The rump of these cows is short and slightly pointed, and the tail is long with a thick tuft at the end. The head is of moderate size, with a straight or slightly concave profile. The horns are quite large, usually curving upward and forward. The coat can be of various colors: from black and brown to red and white, with occasional spotted and piebald patterns. The udder of Criollo cows is neat, of medium size, with well-developed teats. Conditions of keeping: Criollo cows are very hardy and can adapt to different climates. They thrive in hot and humid tropical climates as well as in colder regions, such as mountainous areas or arid steppes. These cows can withstand both high temperatures and cold winters, and during the winter period, they can develop a thick coat for additional protection.