# The Impact of Purebred Zebu Breeds on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

## TL;DR

This study compares purebred Zebu cattle breeds in Brazil to find which ones offer better growth and meat quality, helping improve beef production and sustainability.

## Contribution

The study evaluates underrepresented Zebu breeds for their growth and carcass traits, offering new insights for genetic selection and sustainable beef production.

## Key findings

- Sindhi cattle showed favorable feed conversion ratios despite smaller body size.
- Brahman cattle had the highest rib eye area and carcass weight.
- Breed-specific management can optimize beef production and meat quality.

## Abstract

Brazil plays a significant role in global beef production, holding the world’s largest commercial cattle herd. This study provides practical insights for improving beef production in Brazil and other tropical countries. Evaluating underrepresented Zebu breeds reveals opportunities for genetic selection targeting carcass yield, production efficiency, and meat quality. Distinct patterns of growth, feed intake, and performance indicators among breeds can enable more precise planning of slaughter and feed management, reducing environmental impact and production costs. Additionally, optimizing breed use enhances meat quality consistency for consumers. These findings can help diversify genetic resources beyond Nellore, promote sustainable beef systems, and reinforce Brazil’s global competitiveness as the largest exporter of tropical beef.

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of young intact male purebred origin Zebu cattle of four breeds: Brahman (n = 17), Guzerat (n = 25), Sindhi (n = 23), and Tabapua (n = 41). A total of 106 animals were weaned at 8–9 months, reared together on Urochloa brizantha cv. Paiaguás pasture for 280 days, and subsequently finished in an intensive feedlot for 130 days. Animal development was assessed through serial weighing, carcass ultrasound measurements, and feed intake monitoring. Post-slaughter, hot and cold carcass traits were registered. Sindhi cattle exhibited lower birth and final body weights, averaging 508.6 kg, compared to 602.7–628.9 kg for the other breeds (p < 0.05), reflecting their smaller body structure and lower feed intake (18.00 kg/day vs. 21.27–22.14 kg/day for the other breeds). However, despite their reduced dry matter intake (10.17 kg/day), Sindhi showed one of the most favorable feed conversion ratios (9.08), comparable to Guzerat (9.27), both more efficient than Brahman (7.42) and Tabapua (8.05) (p < 0.05). Brahman animals had the greatest rib eye area (REA) during both pasture (75.43 cm2) and at finishing (92.31 cm2). Hot carcass weight ranged from 333.4–353.9 kg for Brahman, Guzerat and Tabapua, while for Sindhi, the weight was 285.9 kg. However, Sindhi showed favorable carcass yield and usable meat content, despite reduced body development. Loin and rump fat thickness showed little variation across breeds, and marbling scores did not differ. These findings demonstrate that while heavier breeds like Brahman excel in muscle deposition and carcass weight, lighter breeds like Sindhi are efficient in converting feed into meat, offering competitive carcass yields. The results reinforce the value of breed-specific management strategies to optimize beef production and support Brazil’s competitiveness in global meat markets.