Nellore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle in a tropical pasture, symbolizing crossbreeding for improved meat quality.

Nellore vs. Native Breeds: Can Crossbreeding Boost Meat Quality in the Tropics?

Nico Varela in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how crossbreeding Nellore cattle with native Curraleiro Pé-Duro can improve meat production and sustainability in challenging tropical environments."

Brazil's cattle industry, one of the largest globally with over 212.3 million heads, primarily relies on Zebu breeds like Nellore and their crosses. These breeds, well-suited to the tropical climates and low-quality pastures of the region, make up about 80% of the national herd. However, the increasing demand for high-quality meat necessitates exploring innovative breeding strategies that can enhance productivity and sustainability.

Specialty or local breeds, known for their unique combinations of traits, are gaining attention. One such breed, Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD), a tropically adapted Taurine, has shown promise. Originating from cattle introduced by the Portuguese and Spaniards, CPD exhibits remarkable resilience in harsh environments, making it a valuable genetic resource for crossbreeding initiatives.

Recognizing the potential of CPD, researchers have investigated the effects of crossbreeding it with Nellore cattle. This study evaluates the live weight, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Nellore, CPD, and their crossbred (F1) offspring in Piauí State, Brazil. By comparing the performance of these genetic groups, the study aims to identify strategies for improving meat production and utilizing local genetic resources in a sustainable manner.

Unlocking the Potential of Crossbreeding: How Does It Work?

Nellore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle in a tropical pasture, symbolizing crossbreeding for improved meat quality.

The study meticulously tracked the growth and development of 252 animals, including purebred Nellore, purebred CPD, and their F1 crossbred offspring, from birth to 24 months of age. These animals were raised under typical conditions in Piauí State, Brazil, grazing on native pastures with mineral supplementation. At 28 months, the steers were slaughtered, and their carcass characteristics and meat quality were assessed.

The researchers measured several key traits, including live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and rib eye area. Meat quality was evaluated based on shear force (tenderness), water-holding capacity, color, brightness, pH, and cooking loss. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough comparison of the different genetic groups.

Enhanced Carcass Yield: The F1 crossbreds and CPD showed a significantly higher rib eye area and index compared to Nellore, indicating a greater proportion of valuable meat per carcass.
Improved Meat Color: Meat from the CPD group exhibited a more intense red color, which is often associated with freshness and consumer appeal.
Adaptive Advantage: CPD's resilience to heat stress, as highlighted in other studies, makes it a valuable asset for breeding programs in tropical regions.

The results revealed that crossbreeding Nellore with CPD can lead to significant improvements in carcass yield and meat quality. While Nellore offspring exhibited higher overall weight gain, the F1 crossbreds demonstrated a greater proportion of meat per carcass, suggesting a more efficient use of resources. These findings highlight the potential of crossbreeding to enhance beef production in tropical environments.

A Sustainable Path Forward

The study's findings suggest that crossbreeding Nellore cattle with native breeds like Curraleiro Pé-Duro offers a promising strategy for enhancing meat production and promoting sustainability in tropical regions. By leveraging the unique traits of local breeds, producers can improve carcass yield, meat quality, and overall efficiency while conserving valuable genetic resources. As the demand for beef continues to rise globally, these innovative approaches will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable and resilient cattle industry.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1806-92902017000500004, Alternate LINK

Title: Live Weight, Carcass, And Meat Evaluation Of Nellore, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, And Their Crossbred Products In Piauí State

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Geraldo Magela Côrtes Carvalho, Marcílio Nilton Lopes Da Frota, Anisio Ferreira Lima Neto, Danielle Maria Machado Ribeiro Azevêdo, Raimundo Bezerra De Araujo Neto, Adriana Mello De Araujo, Elzânia Sales Pereira, Maria Socorro De Souza Carneiro

Published: 2017-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main focus of the research discussed?

The study focuses on crossbreeding Nellore cattle with Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD), a native breed. Nellore, a Zebu breed, is prevalent in Brazil, known for its adaptation to tropical climates. CPD, a tropically adapted Taurine breed, offers resilience. The study aims to improve meat production and sustainability through crossbreeding these breeds, enhancing carcass yield and meat quality, and making the cattle industry more sustainable.

How does crossbreeding benefit the cattle industry?

Crossbreeding Nellore with Curraleiro Pé-Duro enhances meat quality and carcass yield. While Nellore cattle are well-suited to tropical environments, crossbreeding with CPD, a native breed, results in F1 offspring with a greater proportion of meat per carcass, and improved meat color. This approach leverages the unique traits of CPD, such as resilience to heat stress, to create a more efficient and sustainable beef production system in tropical regions.

What methods were used to compare the cattle breeds?

The study compared live weight, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Nellore, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, and their F1 crossbred offspring. Researchers measured live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye area, shear force (tenderness), water-holding capacity, color, brightness, pH, and cooking loss. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough comparison of the different genetic groups to identify optimal strategies for improving meat production.

Why is Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) considered important in this context?

Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) is significant because it contributes valuable genetic traits, such as resilience to heat stress, to crossbreeding programs. The crossbreeding with Nellore cattle improved meat quality. CPD's adaptability makes it a valuable asset in challenging tropical environments, enhancing carcass yield and promoting a more sustainable cattle industry. The study showed that meat from CPD exhibited a more intense red color, which is often associated with consumer appeal.

What are the broader implications of this research?

The implications are significant because crossbreeding Nellore with Curraleiro Pé-Duro provides a sustainable path forward for beef production in tropical regions. It enhances carcass yield, improves meat quality, and promotes the efficient use of resources. These innovative breeding strategies are crucial for meeting the rising global demand for beef while conserving valuable genetic resources and ensuring a resilient cattle industry. This approach is particularly important in areas where Nellore and CPD are raised, like Piauí State, Brazil.