Uruguay | Lavalleja | Estancia “Sarandí” | Blood farms for hormone production

At 16:45, we arrive at the estancia “Sarandí” in the Department Lavalleja. When we drive to the estancia, which consists of three or four buildings, the custodian approaches on horseback. He tells us that this farm belongs to Roberto Mailhos, but no blood is taken here. The laboratory of Mailhos is at the estancia “La Paloma”. The mares are kept here for breeding purposes and are sent there for the blood collection. He further says that he is not authorised to answer any questions on this subject, and explains that they also breed Criollos at this farm and have got approx. 90 breeding mares. They also export Criollos to Germany, by plane. It is highly likely that the female Criollos which cannot be sold as riding, working or breeding horses end up in the production of blood serum.