Criollo Uruguayo
(most common name)

local/other name (English):
• Uruguayan Criollo

The Criollo Uruguayo began with the introduction of cattle into Uruguay between 1611 and 1620.

Initial uses of Criollo Uruguayo included:
• sun-dried beef
• hides
• meat extract
• corned beef

Starting in the 1880s, Criollo Uruguayos destined for the frozen beef trade were upgraded with British Shorthorn, Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus bulls. This led to a decrease in purebred Criollo Uruguayo cattle.

To save it, a conservation herd of Criollo from around the country was started in San Miguel National Park around 1930. San Miguel National Park is located in the northeast area of ​​the department of Rocha, near the border with Brazil in the southeast part of Uruguay.

The Criollo Uruguayo conservation herd is kept in an area of wetlands, prairies and native woods. All mating occurs naturally and the herd has never been subject to any kind of artificial selection.

Criollo Uruguayo coat colors include:
• white (with black spotting)
• black, brown or red (all often with white patches)

The Criollo Uruguayo conservation herd is also considered a tourist attraction in Uruguay. For the purpose of commercial crossbreeding and the marketing of a distinctive beef product, two other non-conservation herds have also been created.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-16

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Uruguay and read about other Uruguayan cattle breeds.

The Cow Wall® A-Z Cattle Breed Picture Reference to see other breeds of cattle in the world.