In the 1800s, N’Dama cattle were imported from Senegal, West Africa, to the Caribbean island of Saint Croix, Virgin Islands. N’Dama, a Bos Taurus was an excellent alternative for the Caribbean not only for its resistance to heat, insects, parasites, and diseases, but also for its ability to survive in poor grazing regions.

In 1889, Henry C. Neltropp, one of the greatest breeders of N’Dama, had a herd of 250 heads, which was composed of pure animals. Bromlay, son of Henry C. Neltropp, wanted to develop a bovine that combined skills at higher levels of production with the environmental conditions of the Virgin Islands. Previous efforts to introduce cattle from temperate regions had failed due to the calorific and nutritional stress that these animals suffered when subjected to the island’s harsh climate and pasture conditions.

In 1918, Red Poll genetics were introduced to the Neltropp herd, with the aim of improving maternal ability, fertility and giving an polled character to animals. This mixture of Red Poll with N’Dama animals was essential to resume the process, and set the base of the Senepol breed.

Senepol has a moderate size, standard color, and is polled. Thus, it allows lots with carcasses that are more standardized for refrigeration.

Adult cows weight an average of 450 to 650 kg. And they wean calves consistently at 50% or more of their body weight, maintaining an efficient calving interval. Cows remain in production for more than 15 to 20 years.