Crillo Cattle - Could heat resistant cattle be the industry's answer to climate change? Criollo cattle have been in Latin America for hundreds of years, having originally been brought to the New World from Spain on the second voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Having been undervalued in the past, Criollo cattle breeds could now offer a solution to the challenges posted by climate change due to their unique heat tolerance and disease resistance traits. This ‘slick’ phenotype in Criollo cattle results in a short, slick-hair coat that provides improved thermotolerance, allowing them to better withstand hot and humid weather. “This study underscores the remarkable adaptability of Criollo cattle and highlights the genetic richness and potential of these breeds in the face of climate change, habitat flux and disease challenges,” added Professor MacHugh.