Cattle Adapted to Tropical and Subtropical Environments

Approximately 70% of the increase in beef production required to meet growing demand is expected from subtropical/ tropical regions of the planet (FAO, 2009), including southern US, Mexico, Central/South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These regions contain ~70% of the world’s cattle population, predominately Bos indicus-influenced breeds with diets based on forages and agricultural byproducts; however, most of these cattle are managed on strategies developed and recommended in B. taurus cattle. Bos indicus and B. taurus are two individual subspecies and differ in several body functions related to beef production, including reproductive physiology, nutritional requirements, social behavior, digestive system, and body composition. Hence, a fundamental step to meet the increasing global demand for protein while addressing environmental stewardship is to characterize these physiological, social, and nutrient requirement differences. Such knowledge will lead to developing and disseminating management practices tailored to optimize the production efficiency of B. indicus-influenced cattle reared in subtropical/tropical environments. It will impact the state, nation, and world.  

We aim to be the world leader in beef production, genetics, management, and products. Our vision is to provide unparalleled leadership, best practices, research, support, and training to beef industries worldwide, particularly those based in subtropical/tropical environments. This specialty will help us enhance beef production through excellence in developing and disseminating genetics, management, and product-related technologies to producers, students, industry professionals, and the public.