Colombian Creole cattle Sanmartinero, their conservation and sustainable contribution to bovine production in the Colombian Orinoquia

Abstract

This article highlights historical aspects of the origin of Colombian Creole cattle, with an emphasis on Sanmartinero (SM) cattle, which developed in the foothills and altillanura of the Colombian Orinoquia region, thanks to the work of natural selection and the zootechnical effort of the Jesuits, in the seventeenth century, with cattle introduced by the Spanish in the fifteenth century. Aspects related to its recent history are presented from the beginning of its conservation in Granja Iracá (San Martín, Meta) and its subsequent transfer to the Research Centers (CI) of the Colombian Agricultural Institute ICA, La Libertad, piedemonte llanero in Villavicencio (Meta) and Carimagua in the Colombian altillanura (Puerto Gaitán, Meta), centers that since 1994 have been in possession of the Colombian agricultural research corporation, AGROSAVIA. The main research results carried out in the CI La Libertad and related to all biological and economic aspects of the conservation, characterization and use of the breed are summarized. Similarly, results of the use of the breed in breeding systems (meat) and milk are presented in farms of pure and commercial breeders. Their qualities and productive skills are described as purebred and in crossbreeds – heterosis – with other races, especially with commercial Cebu C type Brahman. Of all the research experiences and positive results, especially of the adaptive characteristics – fertility, longevity, climate resistance, parasites and endemic diseases – and to their great combinatorial ability and to produce heterosis it is concluded that the SM is the best competitive and sustainable alternative to improve the production, profitability and quality of the final product, mainly meat, of the breeding and milk systems of the Colombian Orinoquia.