• We evaluated Nellore steers’ muscle development and meat quality traits as well as the methane (CH 4 ) emissions intensity per kg of carcass. • Five tropical pasture-based beef cattle production systems were analyzed. • Carcass and meat quality traits observed are positively influenced by well-managed intensified systems. • This increased efficiency allows CH 4 emission intensities, confirming their potential as a viable sustainability system to avoid pasture degradation processes. This study evaluated the effects of five pasture-based production systems on the carcass and meat quality traits, as well as the methane (CH 4 ) emissions intensity of male Nellore steers per kg of carcass under tropical conditions. Over two years (2019-2021), uncastrated male steers (three/year/experimental spatial unit) were randomly assigned to five treatments (with two replicates): 1) degraded pasture without nitrogen (N) fertilization (DP0); 2) silvopastoral with 200 kg N ha -1 (SP200); 3) rainfed pasture with 200 kg N ha -1 (RP200); 4) rainfed pasture with 400 kg N ha -1 (RP400); and 5) irrigated pasture with 600 kg N ha -1 (IP600). Animals grazed exclusively, receiving water and mineral-protein supplement ad libitum until being stunned by the Brazilian-approved method cranial concussion, followed by exsanguination, without electrical stimulation. The carcass and meat quality traits observed are positively influenced by intensification. Specifically, IP600, RP400 and RP200 demonstrate a clear benefit in improving RA, BFT, LCCW, CEP and FT (including HEP, FEP and spareribs), and Bones (expressed as kg carcass -1 and %); while SP200 and DP0 restricted the growth rates and muscle development of the animals due to the competition between the trees and the pasture and lack of fertilization, respectively. For CH 4 emission intensities (per kg of carcass), SP200 and DP0 exhibited the highest emissions without proportional production gains, while IP600, RP400, and RP200 showed the lowest values. Well-managed intensified pasture-based systems consistently achieved lower CH 4 emission per unit of product than those observed in DP0, confirming their potential as a viable sustainability system.

Enhancing the feeding value of corn stover for beef cattle via steam explosion: effects on rumen digestibility, growth and meat quality.

Cattle handling is a common form of human-animal interaction, essential to nearly all husbandry practices in cattle production, and with direct implications for animal welfare, productivity, and handler safety. Despite its critical role, the human skill involved in handling remains poorly defined, limiting efforts to evaluate stockperson performance, develop effective training programs, and improve outcomes for animals and workers. Defining handler skill is also essential for understanding how human-animal interactions influence animal behavior and welfare. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature focused on cattle handling and stockperson factors. Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science database and screened using predefined inclusion criteria, including a focus on cattle, handler influence, and empirical data. Of the records initially identified, 57 met the inclusion criteria. Using grounded theory methods, data were extracted and synthesized into a handler-centered taxonomy of cattle handling skill, termed the VITAL model (Values and Attitudes, Integration of Knowledge, Technical Execution, Situational Awareness, and Continuous Learning). The VITAL model describes 5 interrelated dimensions of handler skill that together capture both observable handling actions and the perceptual and cognitive components that support skilled practice. This taxonomy provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed framework for defining and evaluating cattle handler competence. It can support the development of training curricula, assessment tools, and behavior-based welfare standards. By providing a shared vocabulary for handler skill, this work contributes to more consistent training outcomes and to improvements in animal welfare, worker safety, and productivity across dairy and beef production systems.

Context Accurate prediction of carcass and meat quality traits is essential for decision-making in beef cattle production systems, but predictive performance varies among traits. Aims This study evaluated linear regression models for predicting carcass and meat quality traits in Nellore cattle. Methods Data from 698 Nellore bulls (22–24 months of age) finished in a feedlot were analyzed, including performance variables, carcass traits (hot carcass weight [HCW], dressing percentage, ribeye area, subcutaneous fat thickness and marbling score) and meat quality attributes (pH, color variables [L*, a*, b*], water-holding capacity, shear force and cooking weight loss). Model performance was assessed using the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj) to quantify goodness-of-fit, and predictive ability was evaluated using cross-validated R2 (R2pred). Principal component analysis was applied to investigate relationships among traits. Results HCW and meat color parameters (a* and b*) were accurately predicted by linear regression models (R2adj up to 0.99, 0.96 and 0.94, respectively; R2pred up to 0.99, 0.96 and 0.93), whereas ribeye area, subcutaneous fat thickness and shear force showed low predictive performance (R2adj and R2pred < 0.30). Principal component analysis indicated that the first four components explained >60% of total data variation, revealing positive associations of HCW and final bodyweight with meat redness and yellowness, whereas shear force and cooking losses were inversely associated with subcutaneous fat thickness. Conclusion Linear regression models effectively predicted HCW and meat color traits in Nellore bulls, but showed limited accuracy for traits related to muscularity, fat deposition and tenderness. Implications Linear regression models can support management and breeding strategies aimed at improving carcass yield and visual meat quality; however, improving predictions for tenderness and fat-related traits will require incorporation of additional biological and management variables.

Abstract Beef production systems have been evolving for more than a millennium with a primary focus on increasing efficiency. Recently, environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns have become another key focus due to societal, consumer and regulatory pressures. We identify the temporal evolution of various beef production systems. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we assessed the ESG impacts of eight systems across five domains: natural capital; social capital; human capital; produced capital; and governance. This analysis includes 98 articles. Additionally, we conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Regenerative grazing ranks high while landless industrialized system ranks low on all performance metrics. Silvopasture and pasture-based systems excel in community engagement. Biodynamic farming, certified organic and regenerative systems support livelihoods and demonstrate robust governance structures with active stakeholder engagement. Landless industrialized systems demonstrate strong corporate governance. This study provides policymakers with insights on promoting sustainable and ethical beef production practices.

Reproductive losses from breeding to weaning jeopardise productivity and sustainability in extensive beef cattle systems. This study evaluated the effects of cow genotype (purebred vs. crossbred) and herbage allowance (high vs. low) on reproductive success across three biologically relevant periods: (I) breeding to pregnancy diagnosis, (II) pregnancy diagnosis to calving and (III) calving to weaning. A total of 1069 reproductive events from Hereford, Angus and reciprocal crossbred cows were analysed between 2007 and 2022 under native pasture conditions in Uruguay. Bayesian generalised linear mixed models were applied to estimate posterior probabilities of reproductive success, accounting for repeated measures and individual cow effects. Crossbred cows consistently exhibited higher probabilities of success than purebreds across all reproductive periods. Under low herbage allowance, the crossbred advantage was most pronounced in Period III (Δ = 0.22; P (Δ > 0) = 1.00), followed by Periods I and II (Δ ≈ 0.13; P (Δ > 0) ≥ 0.99), indicating a moderate genotype × nutrition interaction. High herbage allowance improved outcomes for all cows, particularly during the calving-to-weaning stage. Cumulative probabilities (weaned/served) were approximately 0.43 for purebred-low, 0.63 for purebred-high and 0.78 for crossbreds under both herbage levels, corresponding to 30-35 more calves weaned per 100 cows served when using crossbred females. These results demonstrate that both crossbreeding and adequate herbage allowance enhance reproductive performance under grazing conditions and offer robust, cost-effective strategies to improve efficiency and resilience in extensive beef production systems.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains one of the most consequential health and economic challenges in U.S. beef production, particularly within integrated systems where microbial, environmental, and management factors intersect. This review synthesizes contemporary epidemiological insights, emphasizing BRD’s multifactorial pathogenesis driven by dynamic host–pathogen–environment interactions involving agents such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma bovis, alongside stressors from transportation, weaning, and commingling. BRD imposes annual losses exceeding two billion dollars through diminished feed efficiency, reduced carcass yield, increased treatment costs, and mortality. Despite progress in vaccination, biosecurity, and therapeutic interventions, BRD persists due to diagnostic subjectivity and limitations of traditional control measures. The review underscores emerging innovations, including precision livestock technologies, AI-enabled surveillance, and metabolomic biomarkers as transformative tools for early detection and targeted mitigation, while noting barriers related to cost, data harmonization, and scalability. The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance further highlights the need for stewardship frameworks that balance therapeutic effectiveness and public health priorities. Additionally, the paper analyzes policy and economic considerations, arguing for coordinated efforts among producers, veterinarians, researchers, and regulators. BRD is reframed as a systems-level challenge requiring integrated scientific, operational, and regulatory strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability across U.S. beef production.

Beef production systems greatly affect the nutritional quality and consumer acceptability of meat. In Zambia, indigenous breeds like Angoni cattle are very important in rural livelihoods and food security; however, there is limited information on how feeding strategies influence their nutritional profile. The current study compared feedlot and grazing systems on the nutritional composition and quality of indigenous beef in Chipata District. Using a quasi-experimental design, ten meat samples were collected-five from cattle reared under feedlot conditions and five from grazing systems. Laboratory analyses on protein, fat, moisture, and fatty acid composition were done using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, while sensory attributes such as tenderness, flavor, and color were evaluated. There were marked differences between the two systems. Feedlot beef had higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats, while the protein content ranged up to 69.92%. On the contrary, the grazing beef showed a superior level of monounsaturated fatty acids, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and protein value reaching 68.87%. The grazing system similarly produced leaner meat with favorable fatty acid ratios, which may imply some health benefits like reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, feedlot systems enhanced rapid growth and marbling at the expense of nutritional balance. These findings highlight some trade-offs between productivity and nutritional integrity. Grazing systems offered better fatty acid profiles and aligned well with sustainable livestock practice, although feedlots provide efficiency.

Weaning age is a critical management decision in beef cattle production, influencing herd productivity, financial outcomes, and overall system sustainability. Commonly practiced in South African beef systems, is where calves are weaned at 6–9 months (conventional weaning), while early weaning (EW) at approximately 90 days remains underutilized. This study presents a farm case study and preliminary financial assessment of EW and CW using a farm calculation model incorporating revenue, weaning costs, supplementation, and labor. Data from 152 Bonsmara cow–calf pairs were analyzed. CW calves achieved higher weaning weights (237 kg) and average daily gains (992 g/day) than EW calves (210 kg; 889 g/day), generating greater revenue (R630,420 vs. R558,600). The Pearson Chi-square test showed an association between weaning system and dam reproductive performance, with EW cows achieving a 94% pregnancy rate compared to 84% under CW. Although CW produced higher short-term gross margins (R6446 per system vs. R3068 for EW), sensitivity analyses indicated that EW becomes financially competitive when price premiums are applied. Simulations showed that an EW price range of R34–R40/kg could yield higher returns despite lower weights. These findings demonstrate that EW, when supported by structured price incentives, can enhance reproductive efficiency and contribute to more sustainable and financially resilient beef production systems in South Africa.

Glycerol fatty acid esters (GFAEs) exhibit potential applications in ruminant production, including enhancing animal performance, improving nutrient utilization, and modulating rumen function. However, studies on indigenous Dabieshan beef cattle are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate GFAE's effects on their performance, meat quality, and rumen function. Thirty 2-year-old cattle (294.73 ± 3.21 kg; mean ± SD), were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): on a dry matter (DM) basis, CON (basal diet), 0.05 GFAE (basal + 0.05% GFAE), 0.1 GFAE (basal + 0.1% GFAE), fed for 60 days. The crude protein (CP) digestibility of the 0.05 GFAE group showed a significant 4.55% increase compared with the CON group, while that of the 0.1 GFAE group was significantly elevated by 2.76% relative to the CON group. For key meat quality indices of Dabieshan beef cattle, compared with the CON group, the 0.05 GFAE and 0.1 GFAE groups showed increases in L value by 10.14% and 7.11%, respectively (p = 0.042); decreases in shear force by 5.24% and 1.48%, respectively (p = 0.024); and increases in ether extract(EE) content by 10.91% and 2.33%, respectively (p = 0.019). Compared with the CON group, the 0.05 GFAE and 0.1 GFAE groups showed significant alterations in key serum biochemical indices of Dabieshan beef cattle: TP (total protein) levels elevated significantly by 6.44% and 13.04%, respectively (p = 0.010); total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased significantly by 33.96% and 46.23%, respectively (p = 0.001); UREA concentrations decreased significantly, by 22.67% and 33.53%, respectively (p = 0.002); superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity rose significantly, by 7.30% and 7.99%, respectively (p = 0.020); and malondialdehyde (MDA) content declined significantly, by 20.25% and 28.03%, respectively (p = 0.040). Relative to the CON group, dietary supplementation with GFAE significantly increased ruminal butyrate concentrations, with the 0.05 GFAE and 0.1 GFAE supplemented groups exhibiting respective increments of 17.38% and 18.03% (p = 0.025). Both Groups 0.05 GFAE and 0.1 GFAE reduced CH4 emissions (p = 0.005) and elevated Prevotella abundance (p = 0.001). The study findings revealed that dietary supplementation with GFAE at concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% of dry matter resulted in substantial decreases in daily methane emissions, representing respective reductions of 6.91% and 11.63% compared to the control group (p = 0.005). At the species level of the rumen microbial community, the relative abundance of the genus Prevotella_sp. was significantly elevated by 60.52% and 38.48% in the 0.05 GFAE and 0.1 GFAE groups, respectively, when contrasted with the CON group (p = 0.001). Collectively, these results demonstrate that the inclusion of dietary 0.05% GFAE supplementation conferred multifaceted benefits to Dabieshan beef cattle, thereby highlighting its potential as a viable strategy to enhance the sustainability of beef cattle production systems.

Integrated meta-analysis and sentinel surveillance: Global prevalence and risk factors for Mycoplasma bovis in cattle (2007–2023)

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic infection of cattle that undermines herd productivity and profitability. While test-and-cull programs are commonly proposed for control, their effectiveness and economic feasibility remain uncertain in beef production systems. This study used an updated agent-based model (ABM) to simulate JD transmission in a representative 300-cow Western Canadian beef herd, coupled with a partial budget model to evaluate net present value (NPV) over a 10-year time horizon. Seven diagnostic test-and-cull strategies were compared, varying in test type (ELISA, individual PCR, and pooled PCR), sampling frequency (6, 12, or 24 mo), and risk-based sampling protocols. Results showed that, under baseline assumptions (6% starting prevalence; 1% prevalence in purchased stock), all strategies reduced JD prevalence relative to no testing, and six of seven yielded higher NPVs. Annual individual PCR testing provided the best balance between prevalence reduction and profitability, whereas semi-annual PCR most effectively reduced prevalence but at greater economic cost. Failure to implement control measures resulted in increasing prevalence and long-term economic losses. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that strategy performance was consistent across variations in market conditions, cost of production, and replacement female management, although profitability declined substantially when JD prevalence in externally sourced stock was high (i.e., 10%). Collectively, these findings indicate that JD can be controlled economically in beef herds, with long-term application of various test-and-cull strategies offering robust options adaptable to management preferences.

The selection of high feed efficiency (FE) animals impacts sustainability andprofitability of beef and dairy cattle production systems. An approach toinvestigate the mechanisms of FE involves analyzing gene expression profile inliver. This study used residual feed intake as a metric of FE to select 10 Gir xHolstein crossbred cows (Girolando F1) divided into high (HE) and low (LE) FEgroups. Hepatic biopsies were used for differential gene expressioninvestigation using RNA-seq analyses which revealed 20,787 known genes mappedaccordingly to the bovine reference genome. The comparison of HE and LE revealed149 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEG), 41 up-regulated, and 108down-regulated in the LE group. Among DEG, some stood out as potential candidategenes, including DLK1, CACNG4, SLC2A12, SLC26A4, DUOX2, and DUOXA2. Functionalenrichment analyses showed pathways that potentially influence FE, such as thenegative regulation of leukocyte migration, regulation of calcium channelactivity, negative regulation of cell migration and adhesion, extracellularmatrix (ECM) organization, and thyroid hormone synthesis. ECM composition andimmune system roles were also highlighted. These results could helpunderstanding the mechanisms related to FE in dairy cattle and the developmentof selection strategies to improve this trait.

Carbon and methane fluxes from typical pasture-based beef cattle production systems in the Southeastern USA.

Life cycle assessment of contrasting grazing systems within a yearling stocker stage of beef cattle production

Bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle may develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the use of antibiotics in live animals and can be excreted in feces, posing a risk of contamination. However, it remains unclear whether different beef production systems influence the levels of AMR in cattle feces. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the fecal resistome of cattle raised in grass and grain-feeding systems in the Western United States. Fecal samples were collected from individual cattle at 14 months of age and two days before their respective harvest date. Groups included: (1) Conventional grain-fed (CON, n = 10), (2) Grass-fed for 20 months (20GF, n = 10), (3) Grass-fed and then grain-finished for 45 days (GR45, n = 10), (4) Grass-fed for 25 months (25GF, n = 10). According to metagenomic analysis, grass-feeding systems, particularly the one with extended grass-feeding, are associated with a less diverse resistome. The 25GF group had smaller (P < 0.05) Chao1 value than the other groups at the harvest time. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) richness and evenness were higher in CON and GR45 than in 20GF and 25GF (P < 0.05). Additionally, the resistome of GR45 and CON differed from 25GF (P = 0.018). In grass-feeding systems where antibiotics were not administered, animals’ feces exhibited greater (P < 0.05) diversity in transferable biocide and metal resistant genes (BMRGs) compared with the grass-fed but grain-finished system. Greater ARG diversity in grain-finished feeding systems may enhance the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) during production, posing additional risks to food safety. Similarly, higher BMRG diversity observed in grass-fed systems may promote ARB spreading through co-selection mechanisms, which could also contribute to potential food safety concerns.

Context Within grass-based beef production systems in temperate climates, cattle are generally housed during winter and offered grass silage ad libitum with sufficient supplementary concentrates to reach commercial target growth rates. The concentrate is generally cereal-based with barley and wheat predominating but there is growing interest in oats due to it’s agronomic suitability and role in tillage production systems. Aims This study compared the effect of replacing barley with oats in a concentrate supplement on feed intake, growth, carcass and selected meat quality traits of beef cattle offered grass silage ad libitum. Methods Twenty-four late-maturing breed steers were assigned to either: (1) barley-based (862 g rolled barley/kg fresh weight) or (2) oats-based (853 g rolled oats/kg fresh weight), supplementary concentrate treatments. Concentrates were prepared as coarse mixtures and formulated to have similar levels of metabolisable protein. Steers were individually offered 4.0 kg dry matter of the respective concentrates daily, as a supplement to Lolium perenne-dominant grass silage (dry matter digestibility, 713 g/kg) for 124 days prior to slaughter. Key results Replacement of barley with oats in the concentrate supplement had no effect on grass silage or total dry matter intake, final live weight, daily live weight gain or feed conversion ratio. Ultrasonographic measurements of rib fat and lumbar muscle gain were greater for barley compared to oats, but there was no difference between the two cereal-based concentrates for lumbar and rump fat gain. Carcass weight, fat and conformation score, subcutaneous fat depth and estimated carcass composition did not differ between the two concentrate types. Replacing barley with oats in the concentrate supplement had no effect on subcutaneous fat colour, or M. longissimus dorsi muscle pH, drip loss, colour or sensory characteristics but increased the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in muscle lipid. Conclusion Rolled oats can replace rolled barley in a concentrate supplement to moderately-high digestibility grass silage without negatively affecting intake and performance or selected meat quality traits of beef cattle. Implications The findings of this study will assist producers when selecting the most attractive supplement composition for grass-silage finished beef cattle.

Distillers' grains (DG), including wet, dried, and dried with solubles, are valuable co-products for beef cattle feeding due to their high digestible energy, rumen-undegradable protein, and functional fiber content. This review integrates current knowledge of the nutritional, productive, environmental, and economic implications of DG use in feedlot systems across temperate and tropical regions. At moderate inclusion levels (15%-30% of dietary dry matter), DG consistently enhances feed efficiency and reduces feeding costs without compromising growth performance or carcass traits. Their low starch concentration contributes to more stable ruminal fermentation and a lower risk of subacute acidosis compared with high-grain diets. Nevertheless, excessive ether extract and sulfur concentrations may depress fiber digestibility and increase the incidence of metabolic disorders such as polioencephalomalacia when diets are improperly formulated. Environmentally, DG improves resource efficiency by recycling ethanol co-products and reducing reliance on conventional feed grains; however, their high nitrogen and phosphorus contents can elevate nutrient excretion and potential environmental load if not properly managed. Economically, DG enhances profitability for feedlots located near ethanol plants, though market volatility and transportation costs remain key constraints. Recent advances in coproduct processing and fractionation have mitigated several nutritional limitations, broadening the applicability of DG in precision feeding programs. Future progress will rely on refining nutrient characterization, optimizing phase-specific inclusion, and integrating DG within sustainable beef production frameworks. When strategically incorporated, DG serve as efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible ingredients for modern beef production systems.

The Portuguese autochthonous cattle breeds and their relevance in the framework of sustainable beef production systems.

A limited understanding of the potential to reduce emissions and a lack of climate incentives hinder progress toward mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from beef production. This study explored the GHG mitigation potential in South America by evaluating nearly 30 beef cattle production systems across five key beef-producing countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay). The study outlined a low-emission beef roadmap for this major beef producing region. Data from this study indicate that the current business-as-usual trajectory of improvements in South America’s beef cattle production is insufficient to reduce GHG emissions at a pace that aligns with the urgency of climate crisis. Results from this study show that scaling up existing practices -such as improved forages, rotational grazing, and feed supplementation- to match the performance of the region’s lowest-emission systems at 20thpercentile could deliver significant results. Emission intensities could decrease by 33–50% compared to the projected 2050 regional average (35 tons carbon dioxide equivalent/ton of carcass weight). This would flatten the emissions curve, cutting total emissions by 20–40% while simultaneously increasing beef production by 43%. With annual methane (CH4) emission reductions by 1.5%, the warming effect could decrease by 70–90%, offering a transformative pathway to lower GHG emissions from beef production. This emissions trajectory offers a feasible path toward net-zero warming from beef production, primarily through sustained reductions in CH4 emissions intensity and absolute emissions as systems become more production efficient. These findings highlight the need and an opportunity for a drastic reduction in emissions from beef cattle production and can foster collaboration among conservation, industry, and finance stakeholders towards a common climate-oriented beef production agenda.