The "supercows" cebu that turned Brazil into a global beef powerhouse

Brazil's growth in beef exports is no coincidence: behind it is a strong bet on improved Zebu, serious genetic programs, adaptation to difficult climatic conditions, and demanding global markets. Colombia, which also has a Zebu base, observes these developments with interest to strengthen its own sector. Recent press articles highlight one with the title, ‘Supercows’ Zebu propelled Brazil to become the world's largest beef exporter. Published by the digital media outlet Agrolatam, it mentions that the genetics of Zebu cattle has been key to this leadership. For example, for 2024, the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil (MDIC), reported that the South American giant exported 2.9 million tons of beef, in that year alone, a figure that consolidates it as one of the largest global exporters. According to various scientific studies, approximately 80% of the cattle in Brazil is pure or crossbred Zebu, which shows the magnitude of the presence of these breeds ...