Corriente Cattle streams are a breed of cattle of descendants of Spanish animals brought to the Americas in the late 15th century. These cattle were select in Andalusia and spread through the New World with colonizing expeditions. In this way, they reached all the ends of America, adapting quickly to the different climatic conditions. Corriente cattle, almost disappear in the 1900s, but still, survive in Central and South America and parts of the southern United States.
They are used mostly today as cattle sporting for rodeo events such as rope equipment and bulldogging (direct wrestling). Some breeders breed for their meat, which is significantly thinner than the meat of most modern cattle. These animals were selected rudimentarily at first, almost by natural selection. To then give way to a type of animal with defined dairy characteristics and with the rusticity necessary to adapt to the humid tropical environment.
Characteristics of Corriente Cattle
The average cow weighs between 400 and 440 kg, and its body is angular in shape. Its tail insertion is high and advanced, which determines a greater width of the birth canal. It has good implantation of an udder, medium development and good disposition of its rooms. The production of milk is sufficient to feed satisfactorily her babies. Reaching 4 to 6 liters per day. There is a dairy variety with greater production. The weight of the bull varies between 600 and 800 kg. to adulthood.
But this breed of cattle is resistant, they were bred to produce meat and milk. And can withstand the cold and heat and require less feed from cattle. These lean and agile cows are commonly used in lacing the events at the rodeo. Running cattle are athletes, and they need special care and training. The Corriente cattle is distinguished by its meekness and docility which facilitates its management, especially in the forest areas.
Its fertility and ease of birth make it the best breed for the early breeding of heifers with the total absence of dystocia. Its genetic variability is another advantage to be taken into account in crosses because it ensures a greater hybrid vigor. Producing calves half-blood with greater weight at weaning. The maternal fitness of their cows ensures the weaning of the calf born. And with a weight greater than 50% of that of the mother.
The good milk production of the cows also offers a possibility for the dairy farm in areas where the traditional dairy breeds cannot reach. Its hardiness and longevity are other advantages of the Corriente breed for the greater efficiency of breeding. Since it requires less replacement of bellies. On the other hand, it should be noted its butcher performance. Which has also proven that the quality of the meat is excellent, for its taste and tenderness?
The color of the coat in the Corriente cattle presents several tonalities that can go from the color Bayo, going through the yellow and until red. Allowing smudged black spots around the eyes and extremities. The fur of the animals is short, sparse and bright. The layer is unctuous pigment black and has characteristic wrinkles around the eyes and on the neck board. You may also like to read Hereford Cattle.
Food
The calves feed directly from the mother until 100-120 days after delivery. Although there are already producers who are applying the early weaning system with very flattering results. From this moment begins its feeding with grass, in some exploitations include the supply of concentrated food and mineral salts in its feeding.
When the cow stops giving milk, which occurs at 9 and ½ months of lactation, the calves are taken to pasture. And so continue their growth while the males are sent to slaughter. Likewise, male calves born to elite cows within the herd receive a special diet as they will be used as future reproducers on the farm or for sale. You may also like to read Angus Cattle.
Usage
Corriente Cattle has the great capacity to resist heat, this makes it highly efficient in milk and meat production. It produces a high amount of liters of milk daily. And also produces meat of excellent quality. In addition, this breed is used to cross with other species, transmitting to its offspring that have greater weight at weaning. Although also this race is used in places with slopes by the farmers, to transport things, or to plow the field. The reason why breeders prefer to produce this breed. You may also like to read Dexter Cattle.
Special Feature
Corriente cattle are a breed that does not require much human attention in its parturition and eats much less than large beef cattle. Like Texas Longhorns, which many believe is a descendant of the current, this race breed tends not to consume as much water and can live in a small range. Due to the size of the Cattle Stream, it is considered as the escapist of the cattle, they can escape easily if there are small spaces. Or make jumps high enough to pass a fence.
FAQ
Do Corriente cattle make good beef?
Yes, Corriente cattle make great beef. This is due to their hardy nature, small and efficient size, and ability to thrive in harsh climates.
Corriente cattle are originally from Mexico, but they were exported worldwide throughout the 1800s. They have been bred for hundreds of years for their ability to produce lean meat with good flavor on little food. Their physical traits also make them well suited for rough pastures or range land that other breeds may not be able to handle as well as Corrientes can. Here are just a few reasons why they’re such a great choice:
What are Corriente cattle used for?
Corriente cattle are a breed of cattle native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Their name is derived from the Spanish term for “running water.”
How big do Corriente cattle get?
Corriente cattle are a breed of beef cattle that originated in Mexico and were brought to the United States in the early 1900s. This hardy, small-framed animal has adapted well to extreme weather conditions and has been bred for its excellent meat quality. Corrientes typically reach full maturity between 2 ½ – 3 years old and can live up to 15 years with proper care.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a breed of cattle with less fat that’s also easy to care for, then Corriente cattle may be perfect. With their small size and longhorns, these animals are the ultimate in convenience when it comes to caring for them. Have you ever tried raising any? Be sure to let us know how they turned out! And if this guide has been helpful at all, we encourage you to share it with your friends online so more people will learn about these amazing cows.
As a reference: Wikipedia
