They are white with black points. The coloration
of the breed has lead to speculation as to its ancestory with possible
connections to Wild White, Swedish Mountain, Trondheim, Mauritius
or White Italian cattle considered possible. A more likely origin
is that the breed was simply selected for the color pattern over a
period of time.
The breed is used for draft and dairy purposes
on the coffee plantations of the area as well as pack animals in the
mountains. Although decreasing in numbers it is the most numerous
Crillo breed found in Columbia. Mature Blanco Orejinegro cows weight
approximately 500 kg and bulls vary from 600 to 800 kg.
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985,
MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
R. E. McDowell, Professor Emeritus of International
Animal Science, Cornell University, and provided by Paul O. Brackelsberg,
Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University
