Santa Gertrudis

The Santa Gertrudis is a breed of cattle that were imported later to the shores of New Zealand, with the first to arrive in 1969.

They originate from Texas and were bred from a cross between the Shorthorn and the Brahman, with the latter being used to develop a breed that would manage and perform well in hot, dry conditions. The Brahman characteristics can be seen in a Santa Gertrudis bull’s hump before his shoulders and the loose skin that hangs from the jaw to the chest.

They are dark red in colour with a short, straight smooth coat, and may be polled or horned, which again reflects the mix of the Shorthorn and the Brahman.

Although originally bred for harsh, dry conditions, Santa Gertrudis have become adaptable to most climates and terrains, due to their mix of the Brahman and Shorthorn, and are successfully farmed all around New Zealand. They are an excellent choice for the steeper and rougher areas of our country, as they are hardy and athletic and have the ability to travel large distances for food and water. With an excellent feed conversion rate, they are able to put more meat on their body even when they are on a low-quality pasture. Along with this, they are less prone to disease and parasites and resistant to bloat, which is another great benefit for the farmer.

From a farmer’s perspective, it is always good when cattle are easy calving, and    the cow has great maternal traits. Santa Gertrudis is no exception and as the cow is an above average producer of milk, there is an astounding difference between a week-old calf and one that is four weeks old, resulting in a much heavier calf at weaning.

Santa Gertrudis is predominately used in New Zealand for producing beef and used to crossbreed with other breeds to improve characteristics.