Brazilian Beef Research Articles

Systematic Review on Sustainable Intensification Strategies in Brazilian Beef Production

Objective: To analyze studies on sustainable intensification strategies in beef production in Brazil, focusing on carbon neutralization and sustainable practices. Theoretical Framework: Addresses the relationship between livestock and environmental impacts such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. It explores alternatives for pasture recovery and optimized management. Method: The Web of Science and Scopus databases were used to identify and select studies. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to choose 31 relevant articles, which were used to systematize current knowledge. The PRISMA Protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used for the systematic literature review. The PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram serves as a support tool for researchers in organizing the essential steps to conduct the systematic review. Results and Discussion: The studies highlight the importance of strategies such as sustainable intensification and crop-livestock-forest integration to mitigate environmental impacts. They reveal the evolution of the terms used and the importance of public policies and technologies to mitigate emissions and promote more sustainable practices. Research Implications: Contributes to the formulation of sustainable policies and practices, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches that consider economic and environmental factors in beef production. Originality/Value: Provides an updated and critical synthesis on the topic of sustainable beef and carbon neutralization, indicating gaps and opportunities for future research and policy interventions.

PSLBII-20 Estimation of genetic parameters for methane emissions and residual feed intake in Nellore cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to obtain (co)variance components, heritability, and genetic correlation estimates for enteric methane emissions, residual feed intake, growth, carcass and reproductive indicator traits. Data from 43 feed efficiency trials conducted over a 13-yr period on a single purebred Nellore herd in Central Brazil, comprising 3,400 intact males and 2,167 females, were analyzed. Trial data along with diet NDF content were used to estimate the methane emission (g CH4/kg carcass gain) for each individual, using an equation developed by Medeiros et al., 2014: CH4 (g/d) = -0.1011 + 0.02062*DMI (kg/d) + 0.001648*NDF (% of DMI). Other data included pedigree information, body weight (BW), carcass traits, and reproductive indicator traits. Continuous traits were analyzed using a linear animal model, and threshold traits were analyzed using a threshold animal model. Two-trait analyses were performed using the restricted maximum likelihood to estimate the variance components, heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations among traits. The estimated heritability of methane emissions was 0.136 ± 0.0314. The genetic correlations of methane emissions with growth and carcass traits were low and not different from zero: BW at 450 d (0.064 ± 0.140), scrotal circumference at 365 d (0.188 ± 0.155), longissimus muscle area (-0.090 ± 0.132), 12th-13th rib fat (-0.122 ± 0.142), rump fat (0.080 ± 0.119), intramuscular fat % (-0.108 ± 0.152), BW at 210 d (-0.077 ± 0.168). By contrast, there were the low genetic correlation of methane emissions with early calving probability (-0.260; -0.504 – 0.026); moderate genetic correlations of methane emissions with age at first calving (0.519 ± 0.202) and DM intake (0.512 ± 0.116); and the high correlation of methane with residual feed intake (RFI; 0.832 ± 0.073). Thus, selection to improve weaning and yearling weights, and carcass traits would not affect methane emissions. Genetic selection to reduce methane emissions is feasible and would also reduce DMI and RFI, as well as female sexual precocity traits. Conversely, selection to improve RFI can be used to identify animals with decreased methane emissions. Medeiros, S. R, L. G. Baioni, A. Berndt, M. C. Freua, T. Z. Albertini, C. Costa Jr., e G. B. Feltrin (2014) Modeling enteric methane emission from beef cattle in Brazil: A proposed equation performed by principal component analyses and mixed modeling multiple regression. Proceedings, Livestock, Climate Change and Food Security Conference, Madrid.

State of the art of the cow-calf systems in beef and dairy cattle (Bos taurus) operations in EU, USA, and Brazil from 1998 to 2023

Cow-calf systems represent a significant research area in animal husbandry, with differences depending on the final product (meat or milk). This study aimed to apply text mining and topic analysis on literature describing cow-calf systems in European, American, and Brazilian beef and dairy sectors between 1998 and 2023. Additionally, cow-calf contact (CCC) literature data was manually extracted. Our findings revealed the presence of 11 research areas among literature on cow-calf systems, with different priorities identified in the beef and dairy sectors. Beef industry mainly focused on animal proficiency and nutrition, while dairy on animal welfare and CCC, which showed a growing trend as emerging research topic, mostly in the EU. Current debates around calf welfare and EU's planned animal welfare legislation revision appeared to be driving the increasing interest in this topic. Studies in the beef sector were mainly localized in Brazil, showing that research in different contexts and species is important for CCC implementation. Manual data extraction showed considerable variation in the retained CCC documents regarding sample size, type of contact, methods and CCC duration. Learning about the varied CCC approaches used in beef and dairy farms in different locations, concentrating on their strengths and weaknesses, will help to develop novel solutions to global challenges. Adopting validated and robust indicators would help scientists and policymakers to monitor the system's quality. To improve CCC feasibility, match consumer demands, and move towards One Welfare and One Health, future research should focus on a variety of situations to overcome the current shortcomings.

From Traditionally Extensive to Sustainably Intensive: A Review on the Path to a Sustainable and Inclusive Beef Farming in Brazil.

Brazil is the second largest beef producer and a leading exporter, contributing to some 3000 t CWE in global markets (27.7% of market share). The sector has experienced substantial development, but yields remain far below potential, and there are growing concerns regarding land use change and greenhouse gas emissions. The need for sustainable technologies, such as sound pasture management and integrated farming systems, is evident, but adoption may be low amongst farmers unable to keep up with technological advances. This article describes the historical developments of Brazilian beef farming towards sustainability and discusses possible socioenvironmental outcomes. We combined an extensive literature review, public data, and our own insights as senior researchers to achieve that. The trajectory shown here evidenced the technological intensification of Brazilian beef farming, with strong support of public policies for decarbonizing agriculture. Nonetheless, the pace of this transition may affect small to medium farmers with limited access to information, technologies, and credit. Our recommendations involve a broad program of technical assistance and training on sustainable technologies, including financial and digital literacy. A novel approach to financing farmers is suggested to support a sustainable and inclusive transition in beef farming in Brazil.

Virulent shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 ST11 isolated from ground beef in Brazil.

In this study, a total of 248 ground beef samples were analyzed for the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Out of these samples, only one (0.4%) tested positive for STEC. Further analysis using PCR confirmed the presence of all tested genes associated with STEC, including stx1, stx2, eae, ehx, uid, rfbO157, and fliCH7 in this isolate. Interestingly, no STEC strains were detected in the remaining 100 beef cut samples or the 100 chicken cut samples, indicating the absence of detectable STEC contamination in those specific samples. The isolated strain exhibited significant cytotoxic activity in Vero cells, indicating its ability to produce cytotoxic Shiga toxins. To further investigate the strain, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses were performed. The resistome analysis revealed the absence of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, indicating a pan-susceptible phenotype. However, this strain presented chromosomal mutations in gyrA, gyrB, parC, parE, pmrA, pmrB, and folP. Plasmid analysis identified the presence of two plasmids, namely IncFIB(AP001918) and IncFII. The multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) identified the strain as belonging to sequence type (ST) 11, which is associated with E. coli O157:H7 strains. The virulome analysis confirmed the presence of several canonical virulence markers, including stx1, stx2, eae-g01-gamma, ehxA, stx1a-O157, and stx2a-O157. Overall, this study identified for the first time a rare occurrence of STEC contamination in ground beef, with the isolated strain belonging to the highly virulent O157:H7 serotype. These findings contribute to our understanding of STEC prevalence and characteristics in food samples, highlighting the importance of effective food safety measures to prevent potential health risks associated with STEC contamination.

Economic viability and production of cattle in confinement under high-grain and conventional diets

Brazilian beef cattle farming stands out for its large-scale production, playing a vital role in national and international trade. Despite this, there is a need for improvement in productivity and profitability. The extensive model, despite territorial demand, exhibits low use of technologies and problematic management. Intensive livestock farming minimizes these issues, offering greater production efficiency by reducing the age at which cattle are finished and optimizing the use of space on the property. The choice of diet in confinement systems aims to enhance the cost/benefit ratio. This research aims to compare the performance of Nelore cattle subjected to different diets during the finishing phase in confinement, considering intake, productivity, carcass characteristics, and economic viability. For the experiment, 20 Nellore cattle were used, divided into two groups of 10 animals, where one received the treatment of feed + forage, and the other a high-grain diet. For the variables of average daily gain (ADG), total weight gain (TWG), and feed-lot time, there was no effect (P < 0.05) from the treatments. However, an effect (P < 0.05) on carcass yield between diets was observed, directly impacting the economic viability of beef cattle production, as the abattoir pays per kilogram (cwt) of carcass.

Future perspectives of Brazilian beef production: what is the role of Silvopastoral systems?

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of changing production conditions and market requirements, it seems time has come to rethink Brazil’s beef production systems. We analyse the economic and environmental performance of three beef production systems: classic beef production system (CB), and two types of silvopastoral systems: the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLFS) and the natural regeneration system (NR) in a comparative case study analysis. We find that, though costs of production are the lowest for CB, only the ICLFS and NR case studies are generating long-term profits. While greenhouse gas emissions per kg live weight added are lowest in ICLFS, followed by NR and CB, per hectare (ha) emissions are highest in NR, followed by ICLFS and CB. Considering the system’s carbon removal, NR and potentially ICLFS are sequestering more than releasing. Additionally, the land required to produce beef is lowest in NR, followed by ICLFS and CB. Considering the additional outputs produced by ICLFS and NR, they showcase the potential of multifunctional production systems for future scenarios, where land scarcity puts land-demanding production systems, such as beef, under pressure. The three production systems perform differently depending on the indicators analysed. How they will reply to future challenges depends on the location and the specific environment. Yet, from the analysed systems, CB is the least sustainable, economically and environmentally.

DECODING BRAZIL’S BEEF INDUSTRY – AN IN-DEPTH MARKET ANALYSIS UNVEILING MARKET DRIVING FORCES AND THE MEAT REVOLUTION

This case study provides a comprehensive analysis of Brazil’s beef industry, with a specific focus on the economic drivers of supply and demand. The research explores the intricate relationship between supply and demand and investigates the economic factors that shape the industry’s growth. The study examines how external economic conditions impact the industry and delves into the rise of JBS, the prominent Brazilian conglomerate that has played a significant role in the industry’s global expansion since its establishment by Jose Batista Sobrinho in 1953. Furthermore, the analysis considers the internal and external factors that significantly influence Brazil’s thriving beef industry, particularly the delicate balance between domestic demand and the surplus generated by robust beef exports. The driving forces behind beef production and consumption in Brazil, including high levels of exports to China, inelastic domestic demand rooted in cultural significance, economic conditions affecting consumer preferences, and Brazil’s focus on increasing production capacity and exporting, all contribute to ongoing imbalances in the supply-demand relationship. Understanding these driving forces is crucial for addressing the imbalances in the Brazilian beef industry’s supply-demand dynamics.

Non-invasive meat quality assessment: Exploring the potential of ocular infrared thermography to predict ultimate pH in Nellore beef cattle

This study investigated the use of infrared thermography (IRT) to identify the dark, firm, and dry (DFD) phenomenon in Brazilian beef, which is a significant concern for the industry because of its inferior quality and reduced shelf life. This study examined 113 Nellore bulls and analyzed their minimum and maximum ocular temperatures using IRT. The results highlight the efficacy of thermal images (IRTmax) as a significant predictor, with R2 values ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 for calibration models. The inclusion of parameters such as glucose and lactate further enhanced prediction accuracy. The models also revealed that the combination of features, such as lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*), contributed to the precise prediction of pHu, with an R2 of 0.88. In model validation, RMSEP ranged from 0.104 to 0.158, indicating good generalization capability. The RPD, ranging from 1.7 to 2.6, suggests satisfactory quantitative prediction. The statistical significance of all models, evidenced by P-values <0.001, strengthens the reliability of the results. In conclusion, the models support the use of IRT as a tool for identifying pHu alterations in carcasses. When combined with blood parameters, they may exhibit even greater efficiency in predicting pHu in Nelore cattle carcasses, highlighting the potential applicability of these methods in the beef industry.

Understanding nitrogen dynamics in the Brazilian beef industry: A comprehensive decadal analysis

Brazil stands as a prominent beef producer and exporter, witnessing major transformations and expansions in its production chain over the past 20 years. These changes have prompted concerns regarding waste generation and environmental pressure. This study employs material flow analysis (MFA) to quantify nitrogen flows throughout the cattle slaughter process and subsequent beef consumption in Brazil, spanning from 2011 to 2021. The analysis encompasses co-production streams like leather, tallow, viscera, and blood. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and the nitrogen cascade indicator (NCI) were used to evaluate efficiency and nitrogen accumulation in the production chain. Nitrogen inputs in the system increased by 8.47 %, while beef production rose by 7.29 %. In contrast, per capita beef consumption decreased by 1.29 kg, despite an overall consumption increase of 2.84 %, attributed to population growth in Brazil. Beef exports witnessed a notable surge of 86.03 %. Conversely, human excreta and food waste losses experienced increments of 10.88 % and 2.84 %, respectively. Examining NUE reveals the highest values during the slaughter phase (90 %), followed by processing, transportation, and storage stages (79–88 %). The consumption phase exhibited the lowest NUE values (29–34 %). Regarding the cumulative nitrogen effect, the NCI varied between 77 % and 82 % throughout the study period. This highlights opportunities for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, particularly by addressing food waste at the consumer level. Notably, the study observes nitrogen accumulation across the Brazilian beef production chain, potentially contributing to the nitrogen cascade effect and heightening environmental pressure. Recognizing these dynamics provides avenues for targeted improvements, emphasizing the need to address nitrogen-related challenges and enhance sustainability in the beef production and consumption landscape.

Don’t mess with my mom, or else! A regional representation of price transmission from finished cattle prices to calf prices

This study aims to assess both price transmission and interdependence between finished cattle arroba prices and calf prices in major Brazilian beef cattle markets. It used causality tests and regression models based on Houck to analyze interdependence and the price transmission from finished cattle arroba to calf prices from 2014 to 2022. Findings pointed to interdependent relationship between finished cattle arroba prices and calf prices. They also showed that price transmission from finished cattle arroba prices to calf prices was symmetric for current transmission and asymmetric for forecast transmission in all markets. The contribution of this study is its original test of the symmetry hypothesis of price transmission from beef cattle of different stages/categories and planning horizons.

Socio-professional insertion of women in beef cattle in Brazil

The factors involving the management of rural properties go beyond merely productive issues as they involve generational aspects and gender issues. This study aims to analyze the socio-professional insertion of women in management and decision-making in various beef cattle farming plans in Brazil. The research took place in 2020, with 70 women, distributed across seven Brazilian states. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires consisting of open and closed questions, in intentional sampling, with quantitative and qualitative variables sent through a link to an online form via WhatsApp or E-mail, to people related to the researchers, or of the respondents themselves. The results show that 61% of the women in the sample are between 30 and 59 years old, half of them are married and 94% have a higher education degree. In relation to its production units, 84% belong to the family, while 63% are considered large. Regarding direct interference and decision-making power, 52% of cases stated that they always decide alone when it comes to purchasing inputs and animals, 56% in health management and 60% in reproductive management and genetic choice. When analyzing the management of establishments, it is clear that women are the main managers in 33% of cases while the father figure appears in 38% of decisions. Although higher than the national average (18.6%), as shown by data from the last Agricultural Census, the results showed that in this sample universe, women still occupy the supporting role in an eminently male agricultural sector. These results allow to conclude that although there have been significant improvements in more recent periods, women are still in the process of being inserted into culturally masculine activities, such as beef cattle farming, where the main tool for inclusion is educational level.

Influence of genetic merit on the price of Nellore bull semen in Brazil

Background: The genetic test for Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) is one of the newest technologies to reduce uncertainty in calf production. It provides information about the genetic composition of a bull, which relates to its propensity to produce offspring with specific growth and quality characteristics. Objective: To evaluate the influence of EPDs reports on the variation of Nellore bull semen prices for artificial insemination in the Brazilian beef cattle industry. Methods: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were estimated. The study utilized genetic data provided by GENEPLUS as well as market prices of semen and physical measurements of the bulls collected from the Alta Genetics Insemination Agency. Results: Genetic results, except for age at first calving, weaning weight, and weight at 120 days EPDs, have little influence on semen prices. For each additional day expected for the first calving of the progeny average price of semen decreases by 0.66%. For each additional kg expected in weaning weight, the semen price was 1.73% higher. Furthermore, for each additional kg expected in the progeny at 120 days, semen price increased by 2.46%. Conclusion: Joint analyses of genetic reports and physical characteristics of bulls may provide a better explanatory power.

Does transport stress have any effect on carcass quality of Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) in Brazil? - A case study.

With the increasing concomitant demands for Brazilian beef and in particular high-quality beef, there is a need for observational studies of the effects of pre- and post-slaughter practices on beef carcass traits. We hypothesized in our case study that pre-slaughter transport of bovines over significant distances would induce stress in animals, and that this would reduce carcass quality because of higher pH resulting from long-distance transportation. To test this hypothesis, 30,230 Nellore carcasses from a private slaughterhouse were evaluated 24 h postmortem. Analysis showed correlations between animal maturity, ultimate pH, distance, and carcass weight. More precisely, there was a slight positive correlation between ultimate pH and weight (but not with transportation distance) and a slight positive correlation between maturity and weight. A linear regression model (R2 = 0.016) failed to show distance having a significant effect on ultimate pH (P = 0.63), while carcass weight significantly affected ultimate pH (P < 0.001) with a low coefficient of 0.0003. Maturity negatively affected ultimate pH also (P < 0.001) but with also a small effect (-0.0008). Results (from 95% confidence intervals of variance of the random effects and of the random errors) showed that the variability within farms was higher than between farms. The linear mixed model showed that maturity had a significant effect on carcass weight value (P < 0.001) with a large coefficient of 2.90. The R2 of the linear mixed model was 46.03%. In conclusion, while weight and maturity both affect ultimate pH, long distances did not significantly impact ultimate pH and therefore the beef quality from Nellore cattle. This could be because of low stress during transport, as well as the physical characteristics of the Nellore breed that favor greater resistance to tropical climatic conditions.

Environmental Impacts of High-Quality Brazilian Beef Production: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Premium and Super-Premium Beef.

When individual purchasing power increases in society, there is a trend toward a quantitative and qualitative increase in the consumption of products. Considering the magnitude of beef production in Brazil, environmental impacts are important factors for the domestic and international markets. This study assessed a Brazilian feedlot system characterized by high animal welfare standards that produces high-quality beef that is more marbled than that produced in grass-fed systems. We assessed the environmental impacts and compared premium and super-premium beef produced in a feedlot system using a partial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Data were collected directly on the property analyzed, considering environmental inputs and outputs and economic factors associated with the production stages of each line (premium versus super-premium). The results show that high-quality beef has, beyond a greater financial cost, an environmental cost, with the super-premium line producing a 286% higher carbon footprint, 297% more eutrophication, and three times higher acidification potential and land use than the premium line. The results of the environmental impacts agree with the results of production costs, reflecting a 282.82% higher production cost in super-premium than in premium animals. Footprints of 5.0323 kg, 4.7746 kg, and 8.8858 kg CO2 eq./kg live weight gain at the feedlot were found in the three lines.

Serological profile of respiratory viruses in unvaccinated steers upon their arrival at Brazilian feedlot facilities.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3) are involved in bovine respiratory disease. These viruses can infect the respiratory system and cause considerable economic losses to beef and dairy cattle herds. This study aimed to determine the serological profiles of steers for BVDV, BoAHV1, BRSV, and BPIV-3 upon their arrival at Brazilian feedlot facilities. A total of 1,282 serum samples from unvaccinated steers were obtained on the first day of feeding. Samples were collected from 31 beef cattle herds reared in an extensive rearing system in six Brazilian states. Antibodies against BVDV, BoAHV1, BRSV, and BPIV-3 were detected using a virus neutralization test. The steers were distributed in agreement with their age and the Brazilian state of origin. The highest seropositivity was for BoAHV1 and BPIV-3 at 92.1% (1,154/1,253) and 86.6% (1,100/1,270), respectively. The seropositivity of BRSV was 77.1% (959/1,244). BVDV presented a lower rate, at slightly more than 50% (51.8%; 656/1,266). Age was a risk factor for the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BoAHV1, and BPIV-3 but not BRSV. A positive correlation was identified between BoAHV1 and BPIV-3 (P = 0.85) and between BRSV and BPIV-3 (P = 0.47). The high rate of seropositive steers for these four respiratory viruses on the first day of confinement identified in this serological survey provides important epidemiological information on respiratory infections, as the seropositivity of the four main bovine respiratory viruses in Brazilian beef cattle herds in an extensive rearing system.

Will the Cows and Chickens Come Home? Perspectives of Australian and Brazilian Beef and Poultry Farmers towards Diversification

Farmers across the world face criticism on environmental and animal welfare concerns, as well as are increasingly being affected by climate change. We explored the willingness of cattle and poultry producers in Australia and Brazil to consider alternative enterprises and diversification of their businesses. Twenty-seven farmers, 14 from Australia and 13 from Brazil, current or former beef or poultry producers, were interviewed to explore their perspectives about making such changes. The interviews were qualitatively analysed using Atlas.ti to generate key insights. Although the farmers were actively interested or had engaged in alternative enterprises, they recognised these presented a less certain future if they had been previously contracted to large companies. Some were critical of their respective governments and former contract companies for lack of assistance in finding suitable alternative enterprises. Farmers showed inconsistent recognition of the current challenges of animal production in relation to climate change. Our results indicate that most farmers are open to diversifying, but they face many challenges that have serious connotations. Public policies, knowledge transfer and a secure demand for alternative products emerged as major influential factors for Australian and Brazilian farmers in a fast and just transition from meat cattle and chicken raising to alternative activities.

The Potential of Brazilian Beef Production from the Perspective of Effectiveness and Efficiency

The general objective of the research is to analyze the national bovine protein market in order to compare the Brazilian production and productivity in relation to the main world producers of bovine livestock, in order to discuss, under the prism of effectiveness and efficiency in the perspective of rural administration. For the analysis procedure of this work, the SWOT Matrix tool was applied, focusing on the criteria of "strength", "weakness", "threat" and "opportunity". Based on the results found in the research, it was possible to conclude that Brazil has significant chances of growth for this sector of the economy, but it will only be able to sustain itself in this market when efficiency is also part of the decision-making process. Based on the SWOT Matrix, it was observed that the “strength” of the country in this segment is concentrated, in general, in the significant available agricultural production areas and in the hegemonic technologies existing at the national level. In the field of “weakness”, it was observed that the concentration of technologies in a certain group of rural producers reduces the diversification of production technologies, which may represent a loss of competitiveness in certain market niches, mainly in those more demanding sectors. In addition, high production costs were also perceived as a “weakness” that impacts the country's competitive power. The “opportunities”, on the other hand, are more linked to the growing global demand for food, placing Brazil at the forefront of food on the planet. The “threats”, in turn, observed in this study are linked to food safety and more demanding production criteria in competitive markets, which impose, in the Brazilian reality, the need to adopt a strategic vision and greater investments in science and technology, aiming to improve the development, in the national territory, of technologies more adapted to the realities of different biomes, such as the Amazonian biome.&#x0D; Keywords: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Livestock, Cattle, Brazil.

Impact of animal reproduction biotechniques and genetic improvement in beef cattle

Brazilian beef cattle stands out in the national and international economic scene due to the improvements in production rates achieved in recent years. Genetic improvement is one of the main tools that guarantee the growth and development of livestock, while reproduction biotechniques, such as artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production and embryo transfer are used in order to increase selection efficiency, genetics and consequently accelerate genetic improvement in the herd. Given the importance of genetic improvement and reproduction biotechniques, this review will present data on tools available in raising beef cattle to raise production levels, aiming at a positive impact on the herd.

Traumatic reticulopericarditis and ruminal acidosis in a female bovine: A case report

The Brazilian beef industry is often affected by distinct diseases. Traumatic reticulopericarditis is a disease characterized by perforation of the reticulum and pericardium due to the presence of foreign perforating bodies present in the feed, cattle subjected to ingestion in stables being often affected. The change in diet, such as higher consumption of concentrates, is another factor that contributes to the emergence of diseases such as ruminal acidosis. A female bovine donor, gyrolando breed, housed at the Center for Biotechnology in Animal Reproduction (Biotec) was diagnosed with traumatic reticulopericarditis and ruminal acidosis.