Alcurrucén, Bull breeding estate in Navalmoral de la Mata, Spain.
Alcurrucén is a Spanish fighting bull breeding estate that spans multiple properties across the provinces of Cáceres and Toledo. The operation focuses on raising and maintaining these animals through established breeding standards and management practices.
The operation was founded in 1953 by Juan Sánchez Tabernero, who acquired properties from Lorenzo Rodríguez and created a new breeding line. A significant shift occurred in 1982 when Carlos Núñez bloodlines were introduced, establishing its present genetic foundation.
The breeding program is closely tied to Spanish bullfighting traditions and demonstrates how local breeders maintain specific physical traits like straight profiles and fine horns. Visitors can see how these characteristics matter when observing the animals in their natural setting.
The property spans multiple locations across two different provinces, so visits are best arranged in advance with the operators. The best time to observe the animals is during warmer months when they spend more time in open pastures.
The breeding stock underwent a complete overhaul in 1982 when new genetic lines were introduced that shaped the appearance and performance of today's animals. This transformation shows how single breeding decisions can alter the character of an entire herd across generations.
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