Selection to Improve Performance of Cattle in Subtropical Regions Using Heat Tolerance EPD

Subtropical regions such as the South-Eastern United States as well as places like Brazil are characterized by average year round temperatures of 27 ̊C (80°F). In the summer months temperatures can rise to 43°C (110°F). These temperatures are usually associated with high humidity and low forage quality and it is imperative that beef cattle in these regions be able to withstand these warm, harsh environments without sacrificing their productivity. Beef cattle populations in these areas are largely made up of Brahman and various Brahman composite breeds due to their adaptation to such harsh, warm environments (Hammond et al., 1994). Brahman, a Bos indicus breed of cattle, perform better in subtropical regions than Bos taurus cattle however, they lack some of the positive production attributes Bos taurus cattle possess such as high grading carcasses and high milk production.