Prognosis of Zebu Cattle: Research and Application

The large differences between Zebu and European cattle in anatomy and physiology, and therefore in production characters, are acknowledged by the fact that different species designations have been assigned to each population. However, in both research and application, it does not appear that the potential contribution of this variation to more efficient production systems has been fully exploited. Among the differences between Zebu and European cattle are variation in (1) heat and cold tolerance; (2) reproduction, parturition and lactation; (3) growth and maturation rates; (4) temperament and intelligence and (5) combining ability and complementarity. While the Brahman has traits that are useful for many production conditions, there are faults among individuals within the breed which should be further investigated and reduced in frequency by breeders. These include (at least for investigation): temperament, fertility problems, malformed teats and udder, tendency to founder and low viability of neonates. Zebu in the United States, in the form of the American Brahman, have retained a high level of variability and are becoming more variable through introductions and through increased differences in the goals of breeders with respect to breed type and size. This increasing variability presents new challenges and opportunities for both animal scientists and breeders to improve the Zebu in the United States and to utilize Zebu genes more effectively via hybrids and synthetics. There appears to be little doubt that the additional contributions which Zebu can make to United States beef production systems will be made through wider utilization of Zebu hybrids. If indeed these hybrids do have heterosis for performance, especially on forage, and for withstanding the stresses of seasonally variable range nutrition, the migration of Zebu genes from the present concentration along the Gulf Coast toward the North and West will tend to increase. Also, Zebu genes will probably contribute to the adaptability of the European exotics to allow genes from these breeds to flow successfully, and remain, in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States.