The Jamaica Red was developed from Red Poll
cattle with limited amounts of zebu breeding introduced to increase
the adaptation of the breed to the climate.
The original Red Poll cattle were imported
from England during the late 19th century and were used to improve
the milk production of the native cattle. A number of the herd remained
relatively pure with the possible inclusion of South Devon.
It was these herd which the zebu breeding
was introduced to increase their tolerance of the region.
There were continuing inportation of cattle
from England which limited the influence of the zebu blood in the
breed. Breeders also select against animals with humps or excess
dewlaps or sheaths which also had the effect of restricting the
amount of zebu.
Selection continued to be for high milk production
without sacrifice of the beefiness of the animal. A breed society
for the Jamaica Red was formed in 1952. Some of these animals have
been imported to Central and South America.
The mature bulls weigh about 1000 kg (2200
pounds) and females weigh 600 kg (1300 pounds).
