Beef Production and Carcass Evaluation in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil plays a leading role in the world beef market, possessing one of the largest commercial beef herds and setting records in livestock-derived product export revenues. Brazil has no national carcass grading system. Slaughterhouses are responsible for their own metrics to address internal and export market demands. The current standard for carcass classification is based on dentition, gender, carcass weight, and subcutaneous/external fat scores. This paper aims to explore the main characteristics of beef cattle production and carcass evaluation in Brazil. Livestock production in Brazil continues to expand due to the adoption of new specialized technologies (Hötzel and Vandresen, 2022). In this context, Brazil is placed as the main producer of livestock-derived commodities, ranking among the top world producers and exporters of beef, pork, and poultry (USDA, 2023). This review provides an overview of beef production in Brazil, discusses the Brazilian beef sector statistics, the Brazilian system of carcass classification with examples of slaughterhouse beef carcass grading, Brazilians’ attitudes towards meat consumption, and finally recommendations for a new Brazilian beef carcass and grading system. Beef cattle in Brazil are raised mainly in a tropical climate environment with a wide range of soil conditions of different biomes (Amazon, Caatinga, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest, Pampa, and Cerrado regions). Some biomes such as Pampa and Pantanal provide native grasslands for grazing, providing an excellent environment for the preservation and sustainability of the biomes used for beef cattle production (Lobato et al., 2014). Beef production in Brazil is manifested in two different systems. The first cattle production system is characterized by minimal technological integration and human interference, consequently with very low productivity rates, as exemplified by heifers with poor body condition scores resulting in first breeding occurring at 36 months of age (Lobato et al., 2014). Conversely, the second system involves intensive livestock farming, which incorporates genetic improvement programs by selecting cows and their progenies for better performance, with intensive forage management, sanitary control, and modern management practices (Rosado Júnior and Lobato, 2010). Since Brazil predominantly produces leaner grass-fed beef carcasses, an increase in the number of younger animals on the market can improve the quality of Brazilian beef. The Brazilian beef cattle production cycle is getting shorter due to the optimization of land use and the adoption of technologies. As identified by Chiari et al., (2021), artificial insemination to improve genetic gain and uniformity in weaning weight, implementation of practices that improve pasture recovery and adoption of more productive forages to maximize pasture occupancy rates, use of feed supplementation, and adoption of good production practices in controlling diseases and parasites are some of the factors contributing to the increase in cattle productivity over the years. Malafaia et al., (2021) projected an increase in meat production per unit area, improvements in meat quality and sustainable systems, adoption of meat origin certifications, fabrication of more value-added meat cuts, and integration of technology to improve process transparency for stakeholders. These megatrends will ensure Brazil’s continued prominence as a major beef exporter by ensuring a robust Brazilian beef cattle supply chain through 2040. Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) is the main beef cattle breed produced in Brazil (Figure 1), which was introduced from India during the 19th century. The establishment of the Nellore breed in Brazil can be primarily attributed to its heat resistance, ability to thrive on poor-quality forages, and easy calving. Currently, more than 80% of Brazil’s beef cattle population comprises purebred or hybrids from the Nellore breed (Bonin et al., 2021). The adoption of crossbred animals, involving Bos indicus cows with European or composite breeds, has already become a reality within the Brazilian beef industry. A survey conducted by Silvestre and Millen, (2021) with 36 feedlot cattle nutritionists reported that 52% of their clients were feeding crossbred animals. Examples of Nellore cattle, carcass, and beef cuts in Brazil. (a) Nellore sires; (b) Nellore young bulls at slaughterhouse lairage; (c) Nellore carcasses after slaughter; (d-e) Nellore hot carcasses; (f) Nellore cold hindquarter; (g) Measuring rib-eye fat thickness; (h) Nellore beef rib; (i) Picanha/Culotte/Rump cap cut of Nellore carcass. (Photos by Sérgio Pflanzer). The animal protein production sector has faced many challenges during the pandemic. The global cessation in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its extension into 2021 required the entire Brazilian meat production sector to undertake extensive work to reinforce sanitary controls and guarantee the quality and safety of the Brazilian meat to th