150 THE WORLD \^ MEAT FUTURE 



The cattle industn' is probably Colombia's most important 

 agricultural pursuit to-day, and the Republic offers a promising 

 source of supply for the future, as its cheap lands and cheap 

 laboui" are prominent factors Avhic'n are uound to stimulate the 

 industry. Until very recently the country exported annually 

 large numbers of cattle to Cuba and Panama, and this foreign 

 trade, together with an increasing local consumption, so reduced 

 the existing stock that all exports of cattle were stopped, and 

 large numbers were imported from Venezuela in order that the 

 country's own needs might be met. 



All the northern coastal region is eminently suited for cattle 

 raising, more so than any other part of the country; the low 

 lands are covered with grass all the year round, and the higher 

 lands are also green for most of the year, -wdth the exception 

 of January, February, and March, which are the driest months 

 of the season. The pastures are of Para or Guinea grasses, 

 and the lands used for grazing are said to last for many years 

 -snth an occasional cleaning, and a burning and a rest during 

 the rainy season. 



As to the methods practised in the industry at the present 

 time, it can be stated that practically no care is given to the 

 animals, one man taking care of a very large herd ; cows drop 

 their calves in the open; salt is given to the animals infrequently, 

 not more than once a month, and diseases prevail among them 

 to some extent. 



The cattle now produced are not large, averaging only 700 or 

 800 lbs. live weight, but the breed could be much improved by 

 imported blood. It takes five or six years for an animal to reach 

 maturity, the percentage of calves that live is high, and if the 

 dry season is not too long continued there is plenty of water 

 to maintain them properly. Good grazing lauds can be ob- 

 tained from 4/- to £5 per acre, the price depending on the size 

 of the tract bought, and its nearness to the coast and a navigable 

 river. 



The Republic is developing its export trade. Contracts have 

 been made for the supply of at least 40,000 head from that 

 country during the current year. Agents from the United 

 States are much in evidence at the present time. One packing 

 house at least is said to be considering the feasibility of erecting 



