This article deals with general aspects, with a business and entrepreneurial focus, on the most profitable beef cattle breeds in South America. It does not pretend to be a mandatory guide to follow but rather tries to provide a different point of view on the beef cattle business. It should be mentioned that each sector and each region in the different South American countries have characteristics that are both similar and different and specific to the area, so it is also recommended to consult with professionals and experienced farmers from the places in which it is intended to improve or implement livestock productions.
The livestock sector worldwide is in constant evolution, mainly due to animal genetic improvement; The primary purpose of which is to improve the productive and reproductive characteristics of the animals, and the creation of new breeds of high genetic value, all this leads to new business opportunities in the agricultural sector, more specifically in the livestock sector.
It is well known by professionals and people who work directly in this sector, that at the bovine livestock level, animals are required for milk production and for meat production, and the dual purpose that combines both characteristics in the same animal. However, for business and business purposes it is more advisable to specialize, either in meat or milk production.
For livestock to be a profitable trade and generate adequate profits, a correct diet, an adequate environment and genetic improvement are necessary; which is representing more specifically by the use of an ideal breed of cattle, that is why in this article we will talk in a general way about which are the best beef cattle breeds that have proven to be the most profitable in South America.
Bovine breeds refer to a group of related animals that are genotypically and phenotypically similar enough to produce physically similar offspring when interbred. Therefore, to make what a bovine breed is more understandable, we can say that it is a group of animals that have external characteristics (color, type of coat, horn or dehorned shape, skin pigmentation, etc.) and internal (production). milk, meat, among others), characteristics that must be fixed so that they are transmitted to their offspring, which differentiate them from other animals belonging to other races.
The most profitable beef breeds in South America
Regarding meat production, among the breeds that stand out the most, we have the Brahman, Charolais, Nelore, Limousin, Indubrasil and Angus breeds, among others. Of which we will talk next.
1. Brahman bovine breed
Of Indian origin, the Brahman breed is a very commercial breed, with very good weight gains, optimal for markets that seek to produce quantity and quality of meat. It is one of the best known Zebu breeds in the world. In the case of red Brahman, it is native to Texas, USA.
Figure 1. Brahman race
2. Charolaise breed
It is one of the best European breeds for meat production, it is characterized by its great adaptability to different climates, it is also considered a breed that has a high percentage of twin births. It is also a fairly manageable breed with excellent meekness which is ideal for adequate production.
Figure 2. Charolaise breed
3. Nelore breed
It is considered one of the best breeds for meat production, it originated from Ongole cattle originally brought to Brazil from India. They are animals also used for milk production but their main purpose is the production of meat. It presents great rusticity and develops very well in tropical climates (hot-humid climates), being recommended for extensive systems with poor soils and pastures of limited quality. They are quite strong, large and useful animals for heavy work.
The Nelore breed is presented in two varieties: the traditional greyish-white Nelore and the painted nelore, which is white with red spots, and white with black spots, widespread mainly in Brazil, Colombia and tropical countries. It is one of the most profitable breeds of all the cebuins for all the benefits it offers us. Nelore painted animals were even sold only for their external appearance, their production rates taking second place.
Figure 3. Nelore breed (traditional)
Figure 4. Nelore Painted Race
4. Limousine breed
It is a breed of meat, with French origin. It is relatively new in terms of its production at the South American level, however in countries like Brazil and Colombia there are breeders who consider it an excellent breed to produce meat. Its most notable productive attributes are its adaptability to unfavorable climates and its performance in low-quality pastures without significantly affecting its productive indices.
Figure 5. Limousine breed
5. Aberdeen Angus breed
Simply called Angus as it is known in the different South American countries. This breed is used for the production of meat, it is native to Scotland. It is also a fairly precocious breed, with good reproductive rates, ease of calving, maternal aptitude and longevity. Something relevant and remarkable is that it is one of the best meats on the market, reaching the point of being considered the best meat for fine cuts, due to the moderate infiltration of fat in the muscle that gives it a unique flavor.
Figure 6. Angus breed
6. Guzerat breed
It is a zebu breed, considered one of the most rustic in the world, since these animals are prepared to withstand long droughts and to survive consuming low-quality forages without significantly affecting production rates; characteristic that makes it desirable for meat and dairy companies that are just starting out.
Figure 7. Guzerat breed
7. Senepol breed
It is currently recognized as the only European breed adapted to the warmer tropics (without the need for crosses with zebu animals), the characteristics that make it economically desirable for herds are that having short hair that allows it good tolerance to heat combined with a good immune system that protects it from the attack of parasites such as ticks that are generally in asphyxiating climates, as well as excellent maternal ability, ease of calving and good weight gain, with the plus of being docile that allows better handling in the field, without Mention its longevity and its meat that is highly desired for its excellent flavor.
Figure 8. Senepol breed
8. Hereford breed
It was established a few centuries ago in England; due to the need for meat to supply the food market created by the Industrial Revolution. This breed widely used in South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc.) due to its natural ability to grow and gain weight from grain and fat, as well as rusticity, early maturity and prolificacy are parameters that are very important to currently consider whether you want to work in this market.
Figure 9. Hereford breed
9. Wagyu breed
It is a bovine breed of Asian origin, Japanese itself, which has the special genetic aptitude of producing intense marbling and a high percentage of unsaturated fats such as oleic and linoleic acid, used to produce the meat known as Kobe Beef (the best cut of meat of the world). It is an excellent option to form a company with this breed since marbling is an exceptional and unique genetic characteristic of this breed that has a high heritability, which allows the production of a different meat, with an incomparable flavor, tenderness and juiciness.
Figure 10. Wagyu breed
Figure 11. Wagyu Breed Meat
10. Belgian Blue breed
It is a breed that took more than a hundred years to create, but it is not produced in a representative way in South America, due to various circumstances, in addition to being a breed that has attracted criticism from a sector of the population due to its appearance, many confusing it with an animal in which drugs and hormonal treatments have been used, however, it is simply the product of animal genetic improvement carried out properly for years.
Figure 12. Belgian Blue Race or Belgian Blue
It is also important to mention that the livestock business is not simply about producing the product (be it milk or meat, or both at the same time); it also focuses on producing high-level animals with relevant genetic characteristics produced to improve the animals of the different herds.
