Used in Brazil for the production of milk, meat, and for labor, the Junqueira ox is facing extinction today, with a population of less than one hundred individuals in the whole country.
Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Company) has produced two clones out of a piece of the ear of a Junqueira donor cow.
According to one of its researchers, Arthur da Silva Mariante, “this work will proceed with other animals, and may reach endangered wild species.”
This breed was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese and Spanish settlers during colonization, and has adapted well to regions, such as the state of São Paulo.
This species has been gradually replaced by others considered more productive.
Potira and Porã, the two clones, are now at the Sucupira experimental site, located near Brasilia. Porã was born on April 10th, and Potira on the 24th. Gestational period is 290 days.
ABr