Autoria: REWE, T. O.; PEIXOTO, M. G. C. D.; CARDOSO, V. L.; VERCESI FILHO, A. E.; EL FARO, L.; STRANDBERG, E.

Resumo: The aim of this review paper is to evaluate opportunities for selecting the most profitable cow for smallholder dairy production in hot and humid tropics. The inherent climatic characteristics of the tropics are discussed here as possible bottlenecks to productivity of dairy cattle. The traits relevant for dairy production cut across functionality of the animal, adaptation to the environment to the most important milk production traits. A contrast of performance in various traits between most common breeds utilized for dairy in the tropics has been highlighted. Body conformation, thermo-tolerance, parasitic resistance, feed efficiency, locomotion, fertility and milk production are discussed here as part of the unavoidable considerations when breeding for tropical dairy production. Notably, to sustain the production of milk, functional and survival traits account for the sustainability and profitability of the milk business. Longevity, a composite trait that enables achievement of higher milk average per cow per year should be targeted in an optimal milk breeding objective. Tropical highlands have benefitted from high milk producing Bos taurus breeds, however, dairy farmers from the coastal lowlands have been unable to replicate this success. It is proposed here that matching a dairy breed to the environment could be more sustainable than adjusting the environment to fit a particular breed. The development of Zebu cattle for dairy production has been attempted with varying levels of success. Very rarely are Zebu cattle developed for purebred dairy production. This review paper highlights the case of Brazilian-Gir cattle and recommends strategic use of proven Zebu genetics as an entry point for improving productivity of smallholder dairy farming in Coastal lowland tropics.

Ano de publicação: 2015

Tipo de publicação: Artigo de periódico

Unidade: Embrapa Gado de Leite

Palavras-chave: Breeding programmes, Coastal lowlands, Smallholder