Dual-Purpose Cattle Raised in Tropical Conditions: What Are Their Shortcomings in Sound Productive and Reproductive Function?

Abstract

Dual-purpose husbandry might well be the most commonly employed cattle management system in tropical regions worldwide. The advantages of producing both meat and milk, although in reduced quantities, gives an edge to the farmer in coping with the volatile economic conditions that prevail in the region. Herein, we discuss the different methods of cattle management under tropical conditions based on the financial and social structure of this system. An account of the sanitary and nutritional conditions available to the farmers and how these factors affect the profitability of the enterprise will also be given. Finally, we will discuss how these systems can take advantage of several biotechnological procedures, and how these tools (such as controlled natural mating, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer) affect reproductive outcomes. The present review will mainly concentrate on production systems located less than 1000 m above sea level, as the problems and shortcomings of cattle raised above this arbitrary landmark are quite different.

Keywords: cattle reproduction; developing countries; peasant farming; reproductive technologies.

Figure 1

Farmer transferring information from paper to a computerized program for record keeping.

Figure 2

Dual-purpose cows in unsuitable facilities. (a) The appalling conditions of the flooring, the poor maintenance, (b) and the presence of rubbish will negatively impact the presentation of normal behaviors.

Figure 3

After milking or management, cows in extensive systems are left by themselves to graze and feed on pasture, hindering the task of estrus detection.

Figure 4

(a) Hand-milking is still a popular method in dual-purpose systems, in which the presence of the calf is necessary to facilitate milk let down (b).

Figure 5

Use of automatic milking systems in clean and suitable facilities.