Cattle Breeding - Nicaragua
Cattle breeding is a tradition in Nicaragua, and has been a fundamental economic rubric in the Nicaraguan exportations for more than 150 years.
Currently, of the nearly five million acres of existing farmland in Nicaragua, only 15-18% is under continuous agricultural use. Nearly all the rest is pastureland. The Food and Agricultural Association’s figures show that there were just over 1.7 million head of cattle in the country last year—only 60% of the total amount in 1978. Current milk and beef production represents, respectively, 45% and 65% of the production of those years.
There is a great potential in organic meat, as more and more consumers have begun to prefer the quality and reduced fat content of meat from cattle fed on natural pastures and grains, free of pesticides and free of synthetic hormones. Worldwide, organic meat could generate up to $5 billion a year with demand growing at an annual rate of 20 percent. And with its extensive pastureland that in most cases is already pesticide-free, Nicaragua is well-positioned to enter this market.
Nicaraguan cattle ranchers, through an USAID program , are increasing their ability to compete in world markets. Since the program started, nearly 8,000 head of cattle have been certified as organic. Foreign buyers in the United States and in other countries have been highly impressed with the quality of Nicaraguan beef, and consequently representatives of Nicaragua’s cattle industry and Ministry of Agriculture are further exploring market possibilities.
Nicaragua cattle include predominantly Brahman, crossbred with European breeds such as, Holstein, Brown Swiss and Simmental among others. Cattle feeding in Nicaraguan is based on pasture. Nicaragua is the country with the major number of livestock in Central America, with an annual increase of at least 10%. The country takes pride on being free of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
Cattle Breeding
Brahman
The Brahman breed originated from Bos indicus cattle originally brought from India. Through centuries of exposure to inadequate food supplies, insect pests, parasites, diseases and the extreme climatic conditions of tropical India, the native cattle developed some remarkable adaptations for survival.
Holstein
Holstein cattle, also known as Holstein-Friesian cattle or Friesian cattle, is a breed of cattle known for its outstanding milk production. It is recognized as the world’s highest production dairy animal. Holstein are large in size, a healthy calf weighs 40 to 45 kg or more at birth, and a mature Holstein cow typically weighs close to 580 kg. They have very distinctive black and white markings that can be anywhere from mostly black to mostly white, or half and half. The markings can also be red and white.
Brown Swiss
The Brown Swiss is known for producing the second largest quantity of milk, over 20,000 lbs per annum. The milk from the Brown Swiss contains on average 4% butterfat and 3.5% protein, making it excellent for production of cheese. The Brown Swiss is characterized by large furry ears, and an extremely docile temperament. The Brown Swiss is quite a resilient breed of cattle, hardy and capable of subsisting with little care or feed.
Simmental
The Simmental breed of cattle is used for dairy, beef and as draught animals. They are particularly known for the rapid growth of their young. The Simmental has red and white spotted or gold and white color combination, though there is no specific standard of color.
