BENEFITS OF GENETIC CROSSBREEDING BETWEEN NELORE AND ANGUS BREEDS IN BEEF CATTLE FARMING

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the benefits of genetic crossbreeding between Nelore (Bos indicus) and Angus (Bos taurus) breeds in beef cattle farming, considering productive, qualitative, adaptive, and economic aspects. In this context, crossbreeding between zebu and taurine breeds has proven to be a strategic alternative to overcome zootechnical limitations and meet the demands of national and international markets. The research was conducted through a systematic literature review in national and international databases, encompassing articles published between 2000 and 2025. Seventeen articles were used, focusing on productive indices, qualitative characteristics of the meat, adaptive performance of crossbred animals, and the economic impacts of this practice. The analysis seeks to highlight how Nelore × Angus crossbreeding contributes to the modernization and sustainability of beef cattle farming in Brazil. Zootechnical indicators such as average daily gain, weaning weight, carcass yield, and age at slaughter were compared, in addition to adaptability in tropical conditions and the economic impacts of crossbreeding. The results demonstrated that Nelore × Angus crossbred animals have superior performance compared to purebred parents, with emphasis on precocity of finishing, greater feed efficiency, and better meat quality, evidenced by marbling, tenderness, and flavor. From an adaptive point of view, the crossbreds maintain the hardiness and resistance of Nelore, combined with the precocity and feed conversion of Angus, which makes them highly productive in extensive systems predominant in Brazil. In addition to zootechnical gains, crossbreeding promotes a favorable cost-benefit ratio, reducing the production cycle and expanding access to premium markets. Thus, going to the end of the work, it is concluded that the Nelore × Angus crossbreeding represents a strategic tool for genetic improvement, thus capable of boosting the modernization, sustainability, and competitiveness of Brazilian beef cattle in domestic and international markets.