Dual-Purpose Cattle Raised in Tropical Conditions: What Are Their Shortcomings in Sound Productive and Reproductive Function?

Abstract

Dual-purpose husbandry might well be the most commonly employed cattle management system in tropical regions worldwide. The advantages of producing both meat and milk, although in reduced quantities, gives an edge to the farmer in coping with the volatile economic conditions that prevail in the region. Herein, we discuss the different methods of cattle management under tropical conditions based on the financial and social structure of this system. An account of the sanitary and nutritional conditions available to the farmers and how these factors affect the profitability of the enterprise will also be given. Finally, we will discuss how these systems can take advantage of several biotechnological procedures, and how these tools (such as controlled natural mating, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer) affect reproductive outcomes. The present review will mainly concentrate on production systems located less than 1000 m above sea level, as the problems and shortcomings of cattle raised above this arbitrary landmark are quite different.

Effect of heatwaves on the pregnancy rate of dual-purpose recipient cows transferred with produced in-vitro embryos in tropical locations

“…In the tropical regions of Mexico, cattle ranching is done at altitudes of less than 1000 m.a.s.l., and they are characterized by a limited meat and dairy production, so reproductive efficiency is vital for the production value of local dual-purpose cattle farming systems. However, the development of these systems has been limited and the use of Bos Indicus animals, and crossbreeds (Galina and Geffroy, 2023) has been favored due to the considerably hot weather in these places, where THI values exceeding 76 points are constant throughout the year (Domínguez et al, 2019). Climate change can potentially alter the thermal conditions of these production units located in the tropics, which has increasingly negative effects on animal wellness and reproduction, and, consequently, on cattle yield.…”

“…These dual-purpose systems are important because they comprise more than 48 million hectares, concentrating 45.0% of the national livestock inventory (SIAP, SAGARPA, 2022). They use crossbreds resulting from the breeding of Bos indicus X Bos Taurus, mainly using Holstein, Simmental, and American Brown Swiss bulls (Roman et al, 2015;Galina and Geffroy, 2023). This study analyzes the effect of heatwaves on the PR of dualpurpose cows in transfer programs of embryos produced in-vitro in the Mexican tropical regions, before, during and after a heatwave.…”

Effect of Seasonal Mating on Calves’ Birth Weights of Mpwapwa Cattle Breed and its Crosses Produced at Tanzania Livestock Research Institute

“…Mpwapwa breed is renowned for its adaptation to the harsh environmental conditions of arid and semi-arid regions characterized by limited grazing resources and fluctuating weather conditions and for its contribution to the livelihoods of local communities, which is actually a valuable asset for farmers and ranchers . Over time, Mpwapwa cattle have become an integral part of the local culture and economy, serving as a source of meat, milk, and income; contributing considerably to livelihoods of local communities [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Apart from the economic values of Mpwapwa cattle, they have also been serving as a source of prestige and traditional practices [9,10].…”