Sanmartinero
(most common name)

The Sanmartinero is from the Orinoquia region of Colombia which belongs to the Orinoco River watershed. This area has high plains and tropical grasslands with pronounced wet and dry seasons; the soils are acidic and not rich.

The Sanmartinero was the dominant Criollo cattle breed there until the early 20th century, however indiscriminate crossing with zebu has almost eliminated the pure breed.

The Sanmartinero skin color is black or dark brown.

The Sanmartinero coat color can be yellow, varying in shade:
• bayo (bay, light reddish brown to very dark brown)
• colorado (red)
• hosco (dark brown, liver-colored)

The Sanmartinero coat color in isolated populations can be:
• negro (black)
• pardo (grey)
• overo (dappled or speckled)
• isabela (light cream, or pale grey-yellow)
• barcino (brindled)

Though the Sanmartinero is bred for meat, its main use is in crossing with zebu cows (Brahman). Crosses with Charolais and Santa Gertrudis also benefit from heterosis.

NOTE: The rob(1;29) chromosomal translocation has not been detected in this breed. (Known to depress bull fertility, it was found in 22% of Colombian cattle examined.)

This page was last updated on: 2023-08-26

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