Livestock hub, Cáceres expands cattle herd by 61.9% in 20 years

The municipality of Mato Grosso has the fifth largest cattle herd in the country. Livestock farming began in Cáceres in the 18th century, during the process of occupation of the western border of the then Captaincy of Mato Grosso and was consolidated due to the natural conditions of the region, such as the natural fields of the Pantanal, where there is great availability of water and the relief is favorable to extensive cattle breeding.

The yearbook also shows that of the 10 largest livestock municipalities in Brazil, three are in Mato Grosso. Of these, the greatest proportional increase was recorded in Colniza, whose herd increased from 320,039 to 714,951 heads in 20 years, an increase of 123.3%. In Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, the cattle population increased from 745,765 to 979,665 heads, an increase of 31.3%.

The data shows that the expansion of cattle farming occurred in different regions of the state, following the investments made by livestock farmers in technology, management, genetics, nutrition and animal health, factors that contributed to the increase in the activity's productive capacity.

For the Project Director of the Mato Grosso Meat Institute (Imac), Bruno de Jesus Andrade, the growth of the herd reflects the economic relevance of the sector. "The growth of the herd over the last two decades demonstrates the sector's capacity for expansion combined with increased production efficiency. This strengthens the entire meat chain, creates jobs and increases the competitiveness of the Mato Grosso industry in the national and international markets."