São Paulo Farm Negotiates New Heifer Export to Senegal
Agropecuária Puro da Fazenda, located in Vargem Grande do Sul, São Paulo state, received a Senegalese delegation for the second time. The August 19 meeting included Senegal’s consul, Babacar Ba, a veterinarian and the president of the country’s Association of Milk Producers, who also operates as a dairy farmer in Senegal.
The discussions concerned a possible new export of Girolando heifers, with shipment scheduled for November 2026 if the transaction is confirmed. The proposed operation would extend a commercial relationship that began in the previous year, when the farm sold 315 heifers of the breed to Senegal.
That first transaction was intended to improve the genetics of Senegal’s dairy herd. Some of the animals were donated to small-scale farmers selected in advance by the Senegalese government. The remainder was financed by Senegal’s Association of Milk Producers. André Tiago Prudente, who owns the farm with his wife, Daniela Naliati Prudente, had previously indicated that a future shipment could be larger than the initial one.
Senegalese interest is focused on the breed’s combination of milk production and tolerance of hot conditions. Girolando cattle are produced by crossing Holstein and Gir animals, both breeds developed in Brazil. The delegation’s visit therefore centred on animals that could meet the requirements of Senegal’s dairy-improvement programmes.
The selection conditions discussed at the farm are specific. Eligible heifers must be either half-blood or 5/8 Girolando, and must be between two and six months pregnant. They must weigh at least 330 kilograms, be younger than four years and have neither white hooves nor a white vulva. Prudente said the criteria leave limited room for changes during the selection process.
The Senegalese representatives are assessing the terms of a shipment beyond the first consignment directly at the property. If the November operation goes ahead, the animals would add to the use of Brazilian Girolando genetics in breeding programmes run by Senegal’s government and milk-producer association.
