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[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!Florida Cracker cattle
Place of Origin | United States of America from Spanish stock |
Origin | Florida Crackers are one of the oldest and rarest breeds of cattle in United States. Descended from Spanish stock imported to the continent in the 16th century. The Florida Cracker is a breed of cattle developed in the state of Florida, and named for the Florida Cracker culture in which it was kept. Also known as the Florida Scrub or just as the Cracker cow, these cattle are one of the criollo-type breeds originally brought to the Southern U.S. by the Spanish Conquistadors. The breed is very closely related to the Pineywoods cattle breed, but purebred Crackers have not been crossbred with any English breeds like the Pineywoods has in the past. Other related breeds include the Corriente and Texas Longhorn. After 1949 the combination of new laws about free-roaming livestock and the introduction of larger beef breeds led to the rapid decline of the Florida Cracker. Despite the continued work of the Florida state government and a breed association, the breed is still listed as "critical" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, and is listed on Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste. |
Purpose | Beef production. |
Appearance | They can be dappled-grey/blue, dappled-brown, solid brown, solid white, white with black spots, white with brown spots, all black, or in some cases, a pure golden palomino. |
Horns | Long horns that curve upward. |
Cows Average Weight | Under 408 kg (900 lbs) |
Bulls Average Weight | Under 408 kg (900 lbs) |
Other Considerations | The State of Florida has been involved in preservation programs for Florida Cracker Cattle since 1970 and currently has herds maintained at four locations. In 1989 the Florida Cracker Cattle Breeders Association was formed to promote the preservation of Florida Cracker Cattle and over 400 animals were evaluated and registered to serve as foundation animals. |