Santa Gertrudis Cattle

Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle was the first officially recognized new breed of beef cattle in America. We have a lot of them here in the Southwest.

Richard King, founder of the King Ranch, sought to improve his cattle and horse stock through an aggressive, thorough and studied upbreeding (breed improvement) program. By means of this program, King began to transform the hardscrabble longhorns and wild horses of his lands into the finest cattle and horses in Texas.

After his death the Santa Gertrudis was formally named as the result of that effort. The Santa Gertrudis Breeders International association in Kingsville, Texas manages the breed.

From their website:
“The Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, named for the Spanish land grant where Captain Richard King first established the King Ranch, were developed to thrive, prosper and gain weight on the native grasses of the South Texas brush country. The first and perhaps the most enduring efforts to produce the rugged breed began in 1910 when the King Ranch decided to systematically crossbreed its Shorthorn and Hereford cattle with Brahman. After a few crosses, the Brahman X Shorthorn cross showed the most promise, and the ranch headed toward a cross of 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Shorthorn as the optimum blend of the two breeds.

In 1920 an outstanding bull calf called Monkey was produced. With a distinctive red color, and an exceptionally deep and well-muscled body, Monkey was the most impressive calf of any breed ever born on King Ranch. In 1923, Monkey was used in a breeding herd of first-cross Brahman X Shorthorn red heifers. His offspring were superior cattle that were well adapted to the harsh environment in which they were developed. Most importantly, the calves made money for the ranch. Highly prepotent, Monkey became the foundation herd sire for the Santa Gertrudis breed. Through many generations his descendants have retained the rapid and efficient growth, solid red color, hardiness and good disposition for which Monkey was noted.

In 1940, the cross received official recognition when the United States Department of Agriculture recognized 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Shorthorn as a distinctive beef breed.”

The King Ranch developed the Santa Gertrudis breed to function in hot, humid and unfavorable environments. Santa Gertrudis cattle are known for being good heavy calf producers and especially good when used for cross breeding. Their thick hide serves as insulation to the cold and as a barrier to insects and parasites. The presence of sweat glands in their loose hide also helps Santa Gertrudis dissipate heat in warm environments. Santa Gertrudis are very disease resistant and will stay healthy in feedlots and confined environments. Santa Gertrudis cattle are hardy animals that will travel long distances in search of forage or water.”