Asociación Argentina de Criadores de
Ganado Bovino Criollo
Corrientes 655 - Córdoba - Argentina
This is the oldest breed in America and the
world at large. Its origins date back to the first cattle brought by C. Columbus in his
second trip to America in 1493. They had been selected in Andalucia and were spread all
over the New World during several colonising expeditions. They thus reached the farthest
corners of America where they soon adapted to its various climates. Due to the abilities
they developed, they multiplied dramatically from the glaciers in Patagonia up to the west
of the United States. The Creole cow is medium sized (400-440 k), with an angular
structure, high and forward tail setting which marks a wider birth canal. The udder is
firmly placed, medium sized; appropriate rear ends. Milk production is sufficient for
feeding its calves (4-6 litres per day). There is a higher milk production cow too. Adult
bull weight ranges between 600 and 800 k.
Creole is notorious for its tameness and docility which
contributes to easy management, particularly in woodlands. Its colour is as varied as Bos
Taurus’ over basic white, mellow and black, with all possible combinations. Its
fertility and calving facility make it the ideal breed for early mating of heifers with
total lack of distocia. Its genetic variability is another advantage to be taken into
account in crossbreeding because it ensures a higher hybrid vigour: they yield half blood
calves with a higher weaning weight The maternal ability of its cows guarantees weaning
with a 50% higher weight than the dam’s. Substantial milk production permits dairy
farming even in regions where traditional dairy breeds cannot be reared. Toughness and
longevity are further assets contributed by the Creole breed for a higher efficiency in
calving, since it calls for a smaller proportion of replacement females. Its carcass yield
must also be mentioned (see tables below) plus an outstanding quality of beef on account
of its taste and tenderness. The Instilute of Beef Technology of INTA-SAGPyA, has done a
thorough research on growth of steers and carcass yield in Creoles, British: Hereford,
Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn and crossings between these breeds and Creole.
Herd Books were initiated in 1990, under the care of SRA.
Breeding stock, previously inspected by the Association, are entered, as well as their
progeny. Herd Books are currently open; breeding stock deemed full blood can be
registered, after a prior inspection by the Association. These "basic individuals
belong to full blood herds born from Spanish animals and not crossed with other breeds.
The progeny of these "basic" sires can be included in the AHB provided they
satisfy the inspectors. Come the third generation, they enter the Official Herd Book. All
the individuals, including Official ones, are evaluated before being entered in the
Pure-Breed Herd Book. Total entries by June 1997 in AHB: 1,531. Basic Herd Book: 2,634. As
the breed expanded throughout the Americas, there are Breeders Associations in Bolivia,
Paraguay, Perú, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica and USA. Plans are under way to found an
International Federation. Since they are reared all over the Americas, there are no
records of exports of breeding stock. Nevertheless, its beef offers a valuable alternative
for the market with consumers demanding lean cuts with low cholesterol content. Its
selection and pastoral farming warrants healthier consumer products. The Asociación
Argentina de Criadores de Ganado Bovino Criollo was founded in 1984 in Jesús Maria,
Córdoba, where it has its headquarters in Corrientes 655.
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