Cattle History

The first groups of cattle to arrive in the Americas originated from Iberic breeds (Portugal and Spain). They entered the continent in the 15th century. The cattle were introduced to North America 50 years prior to entering South America.

The Brazilian equivalent to the Texas Longhorn breed is the Brazilian Longhorn Creole. Due to common ancestry, the two breeds share most characteristics, however, centuries of natural selection and selective breeding have created some mild phenotypic differences among the two breeds. Like Mr. Paulo Dedemo, president of ABRALHO first said, “the Texas Longhorn and Brazilian Longhorn Creole are like twin breeds that were separated at birth.”

Projects for herd expansion and market development between ITLA, TLBAA, and ABRALHO will be crucial for the success of the Brazilian Longhorn cattle.