Yeah I've heard they like to brine beef for transport & storage. I guess refridgerated trucks aren't too reliable/available.
I'd want to be growing & processing my own long term. The climate looks suitable. Heat & humidity tends to result in a heavy parasite load.
Thanks for that site, I'll bookmark it.
Brining might be the reason, don't know too much about it tho. I *do* know they breed a different type of cow here, a cross with some asian cow. More resistant to heat. Has a hump on the shoulders.
Here's what Grok says:
Costa Rica has a significant **cattle industry**, divided mainly between **beef production** (dominant in hotter, lowland areas like Guanacaste) and **dairy production** (more common in cooler highlands). The country's tropical climate favors heat-tolerant breeds, especially **Zebu** (Bos indicus) types, with extensive crossbreeding for adaptability, productivity, and meat/milk quality.
### Beef Cattle (Primary Focus)
Beef ranching relies heavily on hardy, parasite-resistant breeds suited to heat and humidity.
- **Brahman** (including Gray and Red variants) — The most common and dominant breed, often making up 80% or more of registered Zebu cattle. Known for its hump, loose skin, and large ears; it's a staple in regions like Guanacaste.
- **Other Zebu breeds** — Gyr (Gir), Indubrasil (Indo-Brazilian), and Nelore.
- **Crosses and composites** — Common for improved meat quality:
- Brangus (Brahman × Angus)
- Beefmaster
- Brahman crosses with European breeds like Red Angus or Wagyu (for marbling and tenderness).
Many cattle are grass-fed on pastures, contributing to the leaner, flavorful beef.
(That's BS. The cattle may be grass fed, but beef here is definitely NOT tasty LOL)
### Dairy Cattle (Specialized Production)
Dairy farming uses European (Bos taurus) breeds in higher elevations, with some dual-purpose systems.
- **Jersey** → Often the most abundant specialized dairy breed.
- **Holstein** → High milk volume.
- **Brown Swiss** (Pardo Suizo) and Guernsey → Also common.
- **Crosses** → Holstein × Jersey are frequent; some dual-purpose like Girolando (Gyr × Holstein) or Brahman milkers.
- **Criollo types** → Tropical Dairy Criollo (e.g., Central American Dairy Criollo or Reyna) in smaller or conservation herds.
### General Notes
- Much of the national herd is crossbred for dual-purpose (milk and beef), especially on smaller farms.
- Registered purebreds (via associations like ASOCEBU for Zebu) are a subset; most commercial cattle are mixes.
- Sustainability efforts include grass-fed systems and regenerative practices.
Yeah, a lot of cattle in areas hotter than ours tend to be the red or white brahmin breeds here. They're graded poorly at abbatoirs simply for having a hump. I've not seen beef marked as such though, so I can't tell you how good/bad it is.
I have cooked up the actual hump though & it was quite tasty slow roasted. It's called chuck crest & is similar to brisket although it looks very marbled when raw.
How beef is processed can heavily effect the final beef. A lot of parasites can be avoided by actively managing their grazing rather then just letting them wander freely in the paddock.
I remember people bitching about the quality of beef in el Salvador a few years ago. Apparently it's improved a lot since.
BTW there's really no need to be zapping me. I actually feel a little bad if you do. I like chatting with you and exchanging information, it's a reward in itself :)
As for parasites: I found a (really bad) photo of part of a cow. The interesting part is the white heron-like bird next to it. They are wherever cows are, and eat at least some of their parasites. Some kind of symbiosis.
