Karaku — iibso ama iibi

Breed history: Caracu is a beef breed of cattle that is widespread in Brazil. Caracu descends from Minho cattle, and its history began in the 17th century. Its formation was also influenced by Spanish and African cattle breeds. Four centuries of selection have transformed Caracu into cattle perfectly adapted to the tropical climate of Brazil. In 1980, breeders of the Caracu association decided to improve the breed using modern selection and genetics methods. In less than 30 years, the breed has demonstrated accelerated evolution of its productive characteristics while maintaining its original advantages – high adaptability, endurance, and excellent maternal qualities. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, after the arrival of Zebu in Brazil, Caracu cattle were on the brink of extinction. Today, Caracu makes up less than 5% of the total cattle population in Brazil. Exterior: Caracu is a medium-sized cow with a strong constitution. The muscles are well developed, which is evident in their relief. Caracu has small ears, which is one of the breed's distinguishing features. The animal's horns and hooves are sturdy, allowing the cow to maintain stability and endurance in various conditions. In terms of weight, bulls can weigh 950-1200 kg, while cows can weigh up to 550-750 kg. The coat color of Caracu cows ranges from light brown to beige, and the animals are never white. Various shades of red are possible. The hair of Caracu is short. The height at the withers for bulls is usually around 143 cm, while for cows it is about 135 cm. Housing conditions: Caracu cows easily adapt to various conditions, including hot climatic zones. These animals have a good ability to adapt to changes in the environment and can comfortably exist in warm regions. They tolerate high temperatures well and do not lose productivity despite the heat. Additionally, the breed is characterized by high endurance and resistance to parasites, making it resilient even in less favorable epidemiological areas. Caracu remains healthy even in difficult climatic conditions. Productivity direction: The Caracu breed was originally developed for several purposes: for work, meat, and milk production. However, in the 21st century, it is primarily raised for meat, although there are also dairy lines. Caracu cattle are known for their quality meat, and today they are most often used for beef production.