Developers created the Jamaica Red breed by crossbreeding Red Poll cattle with limited amounts of zebu breeding to improve their adaptation to the climate. During the late 19th century, England imported Red Poll cattle to enhance the milk production of native cattle, and a portion of the herd remained relatively pure, possibly including South Devon. To increase the herd's tolerance of the region, developers introduced zebu breeding to these herds. However, continued importation of cattle from England limited the zebu's influence in the breed, and breeders selected against animals with humps, excess dewlaps or sheaths, further restricting the amount of zebu. The breeders aimed to maintain high milk production without sacrificing the beefiness of the animal. In 1952, a breed society for the Jamaica Red was formed, and some of these animals have been exported to Central and South America. Mature bulls weigh approximately 1000 kg (2200 pounds) and females weigh 600 kg (1300 pounds).
About Jamaica Red Cattle
