Caracu

Caracu is a Brazilian dual purpose (beef and dairy) cattle breed known for its adaptability, hardiness and excellent maternal ability. . Like the Mocho Nacional, the Caracu is a tropical European breed created in Brazil and its origin is of the race Minhota. Its main use is as a cross to beef cattle. The Caracu accounts for less than 5% of Brazilian beef cattle; the Nelore breed is by far the predominant breed in Brazil.

The Caracu breed is from cattle imported from the Iberian peninsula and possibly with some influence from African cattle from the Moorish occupation of the area. The first entry of such animals occurred in 1534 in São Vicente-SP where for several centuries faced all kinds of difficulties in feeding and parasites. This natural pressure evolved into the Criollo such as the yellow Caracu.

The arrival of zebu from India in the 19th and 20th century almost led to its extinction. The Caracu is the most suitable European race to tropical conditions found in Brazil. With more than four centuries of selection, Caracu today brings important qualities and increasingly sought after in the beef cattle segment, mainly for industrial crossing.

The rusticity acquired over the years has resulted in the smallest food requirement, greater resistance to pests, and increased the longevity of the cows. The Caracu is the most suitable Taurine breed for the tropical conditions found in Brazil.

Since 1980 the Caracu was improved with the use of the most modern selection techniques and genetic improvement, led by the Brazilian Association of Caracu Breeders (ABCC). Major industry initiatives such as the Animal Science Institute of Sertaozinho (IZ), Embrapa - Beef Cattle (Campo Grande / MS) and the Agronomic Institute of Paraná (IAPAR), carry out studies and research related to race. In less than 30 years Caracu presented an accelerated evolution of performance in many ways, always keeping intact its rustic features.

The Caracu of European origin (Bos Taurus) is extraordinary in its adaptation to tropical and sub-tropical climate. The Natural Selection for almost 5 centuries in Brazil resulted in anatomical and physiological changes that provided the following characteristics:

Females have high fertility rates, good body structure, easy calving, good production of quality milk and good conformation. The excellent maternal ability is a characteristic sought for in crossbreeding makes the breed one of the most recommended for use in crossbreeding.

Females can be bred in 14-15 months old. Cows can be kept breeding until 16-17 years with some up to 21 years old. Average per cow are from 11 to 13 births.

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