The Florida Cracker cattle is a strong, resilient, and dependable breed descending from the cattle first brought into the state by the Spaniards way back during the colonial period. One of the characteristic physical traits of the cracker cattle is its noticeably smaller stature as compared to other breeds such as Brahman, Angus, and Hereford. Full grown cracker cattle can weigh between 600 lbs to as much as 1,200 lbs depending on its gender, breeding, and the quality of care it receives. Aside from its smaller frame, there isn’t a lot different from other cattle.
Due to the harsh conditions in which the Cracker cattle were exposed to, they developed certain traits that would allow them to flourish in spite of these obstacles. Firstly, it being Florida, they became more tolerant of the blazing heat as well as more resistant to insects and disease. Their sturdier nature makes them more appealing to farmers as they require less maintenance and are less likely to fall to illness.
Another advantage of the Cracker cattle is its hastened maturity; it comes to full growth before having to leave its mother’s teat. It is also a breed well-known for its fertility so much so that scientists use this species when crossbreeding as a base to ensure strong, successful and healthy birthing.
The rapid growth and reliable fertility makes it easy to raise, breed, farm, and profit from the Cracker cattle. Because of its hardiness its meat contains significantly less fat than the regular cattle although the portions are smaller.
During the influx of multiple various other cattle breeds with similar traits from different parts of the world, the Florida Cracker cattle was faced with near extinction. Luckily measures were taken to ensure the longevity of this defining breed.
Raising Cracker cattle might be a beneficial species and you.
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