The history of Nelore, Nelore Mocho and Guzera cattle selective breeding works at Santa Maria Farms.

In the State of Bahia, Brazil, in the towns of Feira de Santana and Iramaia, we found an important cattle farm of Nelore (Ongole) Mocho, pride of its owner, Angelo Calmon de Sá. It is the breeding stock of Fazendas Reunidas Santa Maria, whose genetic selection process began in 1973.

It all began with Nelore breeding lines Karvadi and Everest, coming from Darwin Cordeiro and Tourinho de Abreu cattle farms.

In 1975, the herd was renewed. The bull Parelho OB from Ovídio Brito is added. At OB and VR cattle farms, Nelore matrices were chosen, giving rise to the family tree that can be seen today at Santa Maria farms.

The cattle farm was gradually being transformed into Nelore Mocho, due to ease of handling the animals. However, it was after the 1st Auction 3B that Fazendas Reunidas gave a big step towards establishing themselves in livestock and breeding selection area. On this occasion, 19 animals were acquired, including: Jogral, Almanaque and some females that later formed important families in our cattle farm. At the same time, we received Dhimã, da Olhos D´Água, animal graced by Betinho. This bull, coming from a different breeding line (Taj), provided very successful cross-breeding, resulting in award-winning animals at various exhibitions.

In the work philosophy that we adopted, efficient and modern livestock in the semi-arid tropics inevitably means a Zebu heard that, besides its racial purity, can display excellent levels of reproductive efficiency and zootechnical performance. This concern involves the project from the beginning, so that, from 1974, the entire heard monitoring is being performed with the use of specialized software, recording and analyzing monthly weights, selection of matrices by calving interval and calf´s weight upon separation.

The balance of productive efficiency of Nelore herd goes far beyond our own analysis. The animals from Santa Maria farms have also participate in several evaluation projects, such as the Genetic Improvement Program of Nelore Brasil breed - ANCP/USP and EMBRAPA/ABCZ, besides weight gain tests. The results of these studies have confirmed that the extraordinary genetic resources necessary for high productivity and international market conquest is being introduces in the herd.

Currently, thanks to these investments and to the intensity in the breeding selection process, the Nelore herd from Santa Maria farms is among the best in Brazil, with successful cross-breeding. The animals awarded in several exhibitions are good examples. In spite of the Mocho specialization, the farms also have Standard Nelore and Guzera cattle.

Be prepared to know and acquire this genetic with great hardiness, precocity and fertility!