As exports of Aberdeen-Angus cattle continue to excel in to Europe, this week another 40 heifers and one young bull have settled in to their new surroundings with new breeder Antonio Garrido in Salamanca, Spain.

The maiden heifers from the Eildon, Eddisbury, Sandy City, and Aynho herds, along with the April-born yearling bull Eildon Kenmore R916 who is by Eckington Titan and out of a Mosston Muir Dual Transformer daughter, were selected by Nigel Hammill, of the Tegsnose herd, working alongside Kirsty Westaway on logistics.

They join 30 pedigree females imported from Portugal, and a stock bull (son of Tegsnose Kiwi Transformer bred in Portugal) used to establish the herd last year. The cattle were all sire verified, using Caisley ear samples, prior to export, to allow re-registration with the Portuguese herd book.

“Cattle were selected for ability to thrive on a grass feed system, of good structure and conformation, with emphasis on ease of calving and management”, comments Nigel. Although largely the females will be bred from on a pedigree level, some will more than likely be used for embryo transfer work.

Antonio is a high quality butcher in Spain and will be selling pure Aberdeen-Angus, and Aberdeen-Angus cross beef, which is in great demand in Spain and Portugal. Until 10 years ago, there were virtually no Aberdeen-Angus cattle in Spain or Portugal, but both countries are developing large herds now, due to demand for quality beef (including crossing with local beef breeds) and ease of management.