Yacumeño
(most common name)
(transboundary/brand name)

(local/other name):
• Beni Criollo
• Criollo yacumeño
• Crioulo Yacumeño

The Yacumeño descends from Criollo cattle known as the Beni Criollo. These originated from Spanish cattle (from Paraguay) and Portuguese cattle (from Brazil) that were imported into the region along the Beni River in northeastern Bolivia.

Beni Criollo were kept pure until the 20th century. When air and rail transportation opened up new markets for beef, crossbreeding with zebus was encouraged in hopes of enhancing beef qualities.

Starting in 1964, 600 Beni Criollo cows were selected for development at the Espiritu Ranch near Rio Yacuma (Yacuma River) in the department of Beni in northeastern Bolivia. This region is a floodable savannah with seasonal droughts and for about six months of the year they graze in up to 50 cm (1.6 ft) of water.

Although most ranches in the area have now upgraded their Criollos with zebu, the Yacumeño has retained its Criollo identity. Crossbreeding between Yacumeño and zebu is reported to be complicated and unrewarding. Instead, the Yacumeño herd has turned out to be the foundation for the conservation of the Beni Criollo and its genetic potential.

The Yacumeño has been selected for over 25 years for beef production and uniformity; cows are never milked.

The Yacumeñ resembles the Criollo of Venezuela and Colombia.

The Yacumeño coat color is a uniform light brown, similar to the Jersey.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-21

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My Daily Cow® Bolivia and read about other Bolivian cattle breeds.

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