Why did cattle raising expand in Bahia during the 18th century?

In the 18th century, cattle raising in the semiarid interior of Bahia was significantly stimulated by the discovery of gold and gems in the Diamantina Upland.1

This mining boom attracted a large number of settlers to the region, creating a new demand for resources. Consequently, stock-raising regions in the interior expanded to supply the mining districts and coastal areas with meat and work animals, which helped integrate and unify the country.12