November 2, 2005

Canadian producers seek Brazilian market for cattle breed

General Manager Heather Hartmann, Canadian Maine-Anjou Association, said the association sought to export cattle semen and embryos to Brazil. The association represented 180 purebred beef cattle producers in Canada.

Brazil reportedly needed to double its current 195 million cattle in the next 15 years just to feed its population.  The country was also working on a beef grading system.

Hartmann said Maine-Anjou cattle breeds were known to gain considerable weight without eating a lot, which might help Brazil.

Meanwhile, a Canadian Beef Breeds Council spokesman said the group also sought to find new markets for live cattle, and their semen and embryos.