1. Meeting Genetic Demand in South America - An Overview of Brazilian
Genetic Improvement and Crossbreeding Programmes
Vasco Beheregaray Neto , MSc.
Beef Product Manager
ABS Pecplan*- BR 050 Km 195 P.O. Box 4046, Uberaba–MG, 38020300, Brazil.
*ABS Pecplan is part of Genus Breeding, a division of Genus plc.
INTRODUCTION
Brazil’s cattle industry is undergoing a massive expansion with total cattle
numbers that reached 185 million heads. With this figure, Brazil is the largest
commercial cattle herd in the world. With 16% of world cattle numbers, Brazil has
20% of the world beef trade, which was worth US$ 3,6 billion in export earnings
in the year 2003. European breeds as well as Zebu breeds played an
extraordinary part in this history of Brazilian beef industry. European breeds (Bos
taurus) account for 90% in the Southern Brazil. In the tropics, Central and
Northern areas, Zebu is the predominant breed along its crossbreds and
composites (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Nelore cattle- The basis of crossbreeding in Brazil
Brazil is an extensive, low-input system and based largely on natural pastures.
Stocking rates vary nationally between 0.2 to 2 animal units (AU’s) per hectare
depending on the amount and quality of improved pasture on the farm.
In some areas, cattle lose weight during the winter or dry period, when pasture
growth is at its lowest. However, this situation is changing as producers are
looking for more technology and business people are investing in the primary
sector.
However, there are a lot of new management practices introduced in beef farms.
Management practices such as the use of urea, mineral salt with protein,

2. supplementary feed (grain) and the use of sugar cane (both cane and residues)
during winter have resulted considerable improvement in the level productivity as
these practices help the cattle to cope the difficult environment over the winter
(dry) period. Research is moving fast and efficiently in identifying ways to cope
with severe limitations imposed by the tropics.
As the beef business is getting more competitive and information is more
available, there are many study groups investigating about profitability and
feasibility of alternative feed systems, combinations of feed mixes, economic size
of herd under each system. Much of this information was not available until few
years ago.
Research and extension services need to be improved and be more participant
providing guidance, sound information and disseminating technology. Brazil has
a natural advantage for cattle production based on pasture land and the research
must produce knowledge and information that would be applied to this situation.
Feedlots have been introduced in Brazil, mainly in the Southeast. The feedlot
system has gained momentum in the off-season (July to December), with good
profits, and this kind of operation still offers some attractive financial returns,
although this is not true for the year of 2004 where cattle prices practiced were
very low.
Some new feedlot areas are being formed. Feedlot operations are being
integrated with cropping activities in Northern areas of Brazil. As feedlot numbers
rise, demand for crossbred animals also increase (Figure 2).
Figure 2. European crossbreds - Nelore x Limousin

3. Much of this is already happening and some breeds of beef cattle are being used
more intensively, especially various European Beef breeds such as Red Angus,
Angus, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin and Hereford which are being crossed
primarily with Zebu.
MAJOR BEEF A.I. REGIONS
The major beef AI region in the world is South America. The table 1 presents the
cow population and AI percentage for these markets.
Countries Beef Cows Beef Heifers Total females % A.I.
US 33.5 million 5.5 million 39 million 4.0%
Canada 3.9 million 0.7 million 4.6 million 4.0%
Brazil 45 million 15 million 60 million 5.5%
Argentina - - 25 million 3.0 %
Australia - - 11 million 3.5%
UK 1.7 million 0.2 million 1.9 million 5.0%
Table 1 – Major beef regions in the globe
The information compiled in this table shows that Brazilian market offers the
largest current and potential business opportunities.
BRAZILIAN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION MARKET IN 2003
The chart below shows the rapid growth in artificial insemination (AI) since 1995
and it indicates that the rate of growth in AI is very likely to be growing in the next
few years (Figure 3). This has been a result of higher breeding cows number as
well as focus on improvement in productivity. The development of more effective
and economical cow synchronization systems will allow significant increase in
beef AI.
Semen sales from 1995 to 2003
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
BEEF DAIRY TOTAL
Source: Asbia, 2003
Figure 3. Brazilian A.I. market- units of straw

4. The rate of growth for beef AI is higher than dairy sector which appears to be
slowing slightly although is still growing.
About 3,1 million of beef straws were sold in 1995 while in 2003 the beef sector
has demanded 4,8 million units. In the last 8 years, the annual rate of growth of
AI has been 11.3 per cent. Currently, t e % usage of AI is about 5,5%. This is
h
due mainly to the extensive management systems utilized by most producers.
Due to the tropical conditions, Bos Indicus is predominant and account for more
than 60% of semen sales. However, crossbreeding industry is important for beef
quality and productivity, therefore Angus Polled Hereford, Limousin, Simmental
and Charolais are the most important European breeds. The chart below
illustrates the most representative European breeds (Bos taurus) in the Brazilian
A.I market in the year 2003.(Figure 4).
ADAPTED
MARCH BRAUNVIEH BREEDS
1% 2% 11%
BLONDE OTHERS
3% 12%
CHAROLAIS
6%
LIMOUSIN
7%
SIMMENTAL
8%
POLLED
HEREFORD ANGUS
6% 44%
Source: Asbia, 2003
Figure 4. Market Beef sales by breed in 2003.
CROSSBREEDING BEEF CATTLE IN BRAZIL
Many beef herds are using crossbreeding as a tool for optimizing traits,
improving productivity through heterosis and by combining traits from different
breeds to match cattle to varying environments and markets (Table 2).
Production traits (%)
Calf survival +4.9%
Growth of crossbred calves +3.8%
Cow’s ability to transmit extra weaning rate +6.2%
Weaning weight due to increased milk +5.8%
Added Longevity of the crossbred cow +16.2%
Source: MARC, 1992
Table 2 – Some advantages of crossbreeding in beef cattle
Market pressures, price war and consumer perceptions are causing changes on
to the beef industry. Competition from pigs and poultry industry will not go away.
Therefore, productivity and efficiency must be improved. This will require the
best use of all resources available including genetic resources.

5. Crossbreeding is used to maximize productivity through hybrid vigour (heterosis).
The largest benefit of heterosis is realised on lowly heritable traits, such as
fertility and reproduction traits. These are one of the most relevant traits that
determine the profitability of a beef enterprise. Profit is a key in any operation and
beef farms are no exception. Profit must be realised and Brazilian breeders
cannot ignore the benefits of hybrid vigour.
The use of crossbreeding in Brazil is apparently somewhat in decline at the
present time due to several factors.
Poor management would be number one factor causing this decline of the use of
crossbreeding. Many farmers have introduced top genetics on their farm systems
without any change in the feed supply and feed quality. Without this basic
resource, it is impossible to capture the benefits of crossbreeding.
There are also factors such as discrimination by some packers against crossbred
animals.This discrimination against crossbred market animals in Brazil is possibly
due to the perception/excuse that pure zebu animals have higher dressing
percentages than do Bos taurus crossbred animals. While this may even be true
to some extent, cattle producers would need to weigh this disadvantage against
the fact that crossbred animals of the right biological type can be ready for
slaughter months earlier than pure zebu animals. This make a significant
difference in terms of profit and breeders should be aware of that.
The US and Australia are well know by the top quality product and high product
value and in these countries there is a severe discrimination against zebu
animals by feeders and packers due to quality issues.
On the other hand, Brazilian beef industry continues to discriminate crossbred
animals. If this situation continues in the future, Brazil will be always selling its
beef as a commodity. Packers should recognise different market needs and
focus on how to add value to their product.
However, crossbreeding also have limitations and these limitations should be
well understood by farmers and people involved in the beef cattle industry.
There are some areas in the country where crossbreeding is not as successful as
the purebred well-adapted zebu cattle. This occurs due to environment
constraints, which includes not only elements of climate but also effects of
parasites, diseases and the overall level of management.
In general, crossbred animals are high-performing cattle that require more care,
higher quality and larger quantity of feed. These crossbred animals will be much
more influenced by drought and diseases than will lower performing cattle with
lower requirements.

6. Therefore, planning is essential to ensure crossbreeding programme to be
successful. Planning involves strategies for improving nutrition level, sound
management practices, attributes of adaptation to tropical stresses such as
pigmentation, short hair, resistance to ticks, sound structure…etc.
Other criticisms of crossbred animals that have been raised in Brazil include
variability of coloration and other characteristics that may lead to marketing and
management problems.
However, this is not true when you decide to use the right bull or breed. There
are several good examples of crossbred calves uniform in color, hair length and
good eye appeal (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Nelore cows and crossbred calves showing colour
marking
Another concern about crossbreeding in Brazil relates to wrong crossbreeding
that had been practiced in the past, e.g. large frame bulls, unproven genetics,
“hairy” animals. As a result, many animals were slaughtered without adequate fat
cover, which reduces the carcase value. Genetic improvement is determined
primarily by genetic potential. Then, producers must be sure about the bulls that
they are using.
Fortunately, this “learning stage” is already finished. Breeders have learned with
their mistakes in the past and there are now using European Breeds with clear
objectives, better planning, more conscious about how EPD’s technology could
add superior genetics.
Breeders are more discerning and informed about adequate breeds and sires
within breeds to produce crossbred males and females adapted to the
nutritional/management environments under which they were to be maintained.
It is important for producers to use a planned system even if it is a simple one
(Figure 6).
All mistakes and incorrect choices from the past have brought invaluable
information for the beef industry. Beef producers already know where and how
crossbred animals can be used in order to achieve an acceptable performance.

7. Despite of decline, the crossbreeding still exists and has sold 1,5 million units of
semen in 2003. There are many farmers with proactive attitudes that believe in
the benefits of crossbreeding. The nature of beef business requires farmers to be
resilient, optimistic, tough and to have the willingness to bounce back from
temporary disappointments.
Crossbreeding is extremely beneficial, but the benefits can be reduced by poor
planning. So, breeders should remember;
(1) To pick breeds carefully so that there is a good match of GxE interaction
(2) Select sires and female replacements wisely to ensure superior genetics.
EPD’s is extremely useful
(3) Crossbreeding will not compensate poor management
(4) Breed’s choice should be carried out carefully.
(5) Optimize and use the breed complementarity
At the end of the day, crossbreeding programmes should be based on sound
information, animal production principles and bit of common sense.
Figure 6. Crossbreeding systems in Brazilian
EXPLORING THE BREED COMPLEMENTARITY
Breed complementarity must be explored in order to make the best combination
involving different breeds and its productive attributes.
British breeds, such as Angus and Polled Hereford, are calving ease (less labor
and reduced cost on purebred cattle), maternal ability, and very fertile cattle and
improve carcase and beef quality.
On the other hand, Continental breeds such as Limousin, Simmental and
Charolais add growth potential, milk production, muscling and high carcase yield.
In the tropics, Zebu genetics are necessary due to high resistance to
environment stresses such as ticks, worms, heat, diseases and droughts.

8. Complementarity is used to optimize production traits e.g. bull from breed A is
used to transmit rapid growth and desirable carcase trait, breed B is used to
improve maternal traits or reduce the frequency of dystocia. Complementarity is
an effective approach to optimize traits and using contributing breeds to achieve
a better balance of traits.
In summary, breed complementarity is to use the best breed combination
available that will result in a desirable match of crossbred cow genotype to the
particular environment.
SELECTION FOR AN EFFECTIVE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT
Genetic improvement could be achieved not only by crossbreeding but also
selection. Selection is a key issue in the whole process. Selection is to choose
correctly the genetically superior animals and allow them to reproduce on a farm.
However, we can’t see an animal’s genes but we can estimate this through
EPD’s (Expected Progeny Differences). EPD technology will take the
“guesswork” out of selection decision. Then, an accurate selection will allow you
to accelerate the genetic progress focusing on the economically relevant traits
(cash in your pocket).
EPD is the best genetic prediction that modern technology can provide. This
provides informed decision for producers select superior genetics.
PROGENY TEST: PRODUCING YOUNG SIRES FOR BRAZILIAN BEEF
SYSTEM
The objective of progeny is to identify those bulls with the highest potential to
improve Brazilian beef herds
As Brazil import genetics from many countries, it is useful to carry out a progeny
test of young sires under Brazilian grazing conditions. To achieve results,
progeny testing requires a partnership. Many parties are important, including
breeders who produce bulls for progeny testing, herd and farmers who collect the
information required to produce EPD’s, geneticists, sales team and AI centre that
produce semen to be distributed throughout the country. All of these are
important, but none are more important than farmer co-operators. Without a
breeder involvement progeny testing would not be possible.
As a commercial company ABS Pecplan can see the quality of genetics
improving each year through calves produced by progeny test bulls. The best
bulls available from this progeny test are sold through our A.I. Company.

9. Progeny test is expensive and necessary. There are several steps until the
results appear. The main progeny test steps carried out by ABS Pecplan are
briefly described below:
Selecting a young bull: Young bulls candidates are selected based on their
genetic merit. To calculate this genetic merits some information are necessary:
• The animal’s own performance
• The performance of all know relatives in all herds
Using this criteria, high selection pressure is applied to ensure the best
individuals will be the participants of a progeny test.
Visual Assessment: EPD’s are important tools for selection. However, the
phenotypic traits should not be ignored. That is why a visual assessment is part
of the process.
Semen distribution- We collect semen of this selected team of young sires. This
semen is used in herds of our partners. In these herds, progeny test semen is
used randomly for the first and second round of matings over the range of cow.
In summary, progeny test end up with a carefully selected team of young bulls,
all with the highest genetic potential to improve Brazilian beef herds. For long-
term industry benefit, and the benefit of individual farmers and our customers, we
will continue to support the important task of progeny testing.
This is part of our philosophy as a company that sells genetics and our primary
goal is to provide the highest quality genetics for Brazilian grazing conditions.
GENETIC EVALUATION PROGRAMMES
There are more than 25 Beef improvement programmes within Brazil (Table 3).
Most of them are on Nelore commercial cattle and European breeds (Bos
taurus). There are three major genetic improvements that involve European
Breeds. These are: Promebo, Natura and Delta G Conexion.
Table 3- Beef Improvement programmes within Brazil
Program Start # of herds n Evaluated by
ABCZ- Zebu 1984 1.147 > 1.2 million Embrapa
CFM- Nelore 1984 20 > 500.000 GMA/USP
PMGRN- Nelore 1992 199 >470.000 FMRP/USP
Aliança- Nelore 1997 183 >340.000 Gensys
Qualitas - Nelore 2002 25 37.000 GMA/FMRP/USP
Lemgruber- Nelore 1998 1 26.000 GMA/USP
DELTA G* 1992 38 > 440.000 Gensys
ABCANC- Charbray 1999 20 > 230.000 Embrapa
NATURA – Angus Brangus 1986 124 162.000 Gensys
Promebo- Angus 1992 217 104.000 ANC/Gensys
Promebo-Devon 1992 29 26.000 ANC/Gensys
Promebo-Charoles 1992 66 13.000 ANC/Gensys

10. Promebo- Hereford 1992 108 140.000 ANC/Gensys
Simmental 1993 202 41.500 UNESP
Santa Gertrudis 1997 15 40.000 GMA/USP
Marchigiana 2000 15 87.000 GMA/USP
Braunvieh 2000 38 > 26.000 GMA/USP
Caracu 1998 23 8.000 Embrapa
Montana 1997 30 >250.000 GMA/USP
Source: Adapted from DBO Magazine
* Nelore,Braford&hereford
NATURA genetic evaluation programme is one of the oldest programmes in
Brazil. It was founded 1986. This programme is involved with genetic evaluation
of Angus and Brangus within Brazil. There are 124 breeders involved, 1.867 sires
and 162.000 progenies evaluated.
Another sire summary is named Delta G Conexion. It was founded in 1993 and
had evaluated more than 440.000 performance records. Delta G Conexion is
based on more than 27.000 breeding cows and their progenies. All calves are
monitored and data are collected at birth, weaning and as a yearlings. Cows are
assessed for calving ease and maternal traits. The measures are taken in two
stages of animal’s life: At weaning which is approximately six months of age and
as a yearling 17-18 months of age (Figure 7).
The most common traits are:
• Birth weight (BW)
• Growth (weaning and yearling)- WW & 550-day GROWTH
• Maternal traits - MILK
• Beef conformation and beef capacity (C)
• Muscle shape and development (M)
• “Precocity”- Fleshing ability (P)
• Sheath scoring system
• Scrotal circumference & early puberty - SC
• Functional phenotype – sound feet& legs, capacity
Figure 7. Visual assessment of C, P and M.
Recently, the scan technology has been introduced. Delta G Conexion is now
using ultrasound to evaluate carcase traits in order to identify those individuals
that will improve beef quality.
The new EPD’s available on this programme are REA and FAT depth.

11. This group has been always innovating and improving their genetic evaluation
programme through the use of technology. As resistance to the cattle tick is
moderately heritable and improvements can be achieved through selection of
breeding stock for tick resistance they have released the latest EPD for “tick
resistance”.
Beef cattle genetic improvement programmes are highly important and they are
gaining popularity in the last few years. The Brazilian government recognizes this
importance and has created incentives to promote beef improvement. A good
example of this would be CEIP programme, which was created in 1989.
CEIP is the Special Certificate of Identification and Production of Federal
Department of Agriculture.
Bull users and seedstock breeders have both genetic and economic advantages.
This programme is audited by special government agencies, which gives
credibility to the genetic programme. Only genetically superior animals, TOP
20%, are marked with CEIP and these animals pay no tax when they are sold.
Currently, there are 13 CEIP programmes within Brazil.
SUMMARY
Agribusiness in Brazil is going through a special moment. Cattle business is
particularly important in this forward movement. Artificial insemination market will
continue to expand and Brazil offers the largest current and potential business
opportunities. Despite of the decline, the European breeds will continue to grow
and there are market signs indicating a “swing back to European breeds”. This
will occurs with much more professionalism, adequate management practices
and above all, sound information and common sense. The benefits of
crossbreeding cannot be ignored and the cattle business cannot afford that loss.
Information will be the key for the cattle industry in the future. Therefore, EPDs
(expected progeny difference) are being widely used in crossbreeding
programmes and our company will continue the policy of developing a strong
product offer through of proven sires and top genetics for an effective genetic
improvement. We emphasize the importance of EPD’s for more accurate
selection. Progeny tests will ensure that we are continually identifying truly
superior genetics that meet market needs. However, we are aware that this may
not provide the complete picture. Then, new and promising technologies such as
gene markers seem to be an innovative approach for the beef industry.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank Duncan Pullar for inviting me to be a speaker in this
British Cattle Conference. I also wish to express my gratitude to Neil Wharton.
Finally, I would like to show my appreciation to Genus Plc. for the financial
support. This is an invaluable experience for me.

12. LITERATURE CITED
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Bindon, B. M. (2003). Innovative Approach to Beef Industry Research. Hereford World congress
paper. Australia.
DBO cattle Magazine. August, 2004.
Delta G Conexion 2004. Sire summary .7th edition.
Enns, M.R.; Garrick, D.J. (2003). The economic benefits and potential when using current and
future epd – economically relevant traits. Proceedings, The Range Beef Cow Symposium XVIII.
December 9, 10, 11, 2003, Mitchell Nebraska.
Frisch JE and O’Neill CJ (1998). Comparative evaluation of beef cattle breeds of African,
European and Indian origins (1) Live weights and heterosis at birth, weaning and 18 months.
Anim. Sci. 67:27-38.
Frish, J.E. (1999).Crossbreeding Cattle- Maximising productivity through hybrid vigour. Notes of
Tropical Beef Centre, CSIRO, Australia.
Frish, J.E. (1999).Crossbreeding Values: Hybrid vigour- Pure Magic, pure profit. Notes of Tropical
Beef Centre, CSIRO, Australia.
Frish, J.E. (1999).Crossbreeding Values- After the F1- Where to go?. Notes of Tropical Beef
Centre, CSIRO, Australia.
Garrick, D.J. Enns, M.R. (2003).How best to achieve genetic change?. Department of Animal
Sciences,Colorado State University,Fort Collins,CO 80523.
Long, R.A. 1973. El sistema de avaluación y su aplicación en la mejora del ganado. Grand
Junction, Colorado, ANKONY CORPORATION. 21p
MacNeil, M.D.; (1998). Crosbreeding Beef Catlle for Western Range Environments. Second
Edition. Montana State University.
Natura 2004. Sire summary .7th edition.