GENETIC A N D BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ZEBU A D A P T A B I L I T Y 1 ,2

J. W. Turner

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803

Summary 1. The direct measure of performance under

The utility and documentation of traits and measured environmental stress is the ap-
characteristics of Zebu, Bos indicus, cattle in proach utilized by response scientists.
beef production in the United States are dis- The application is to control the envi-
cussed with reference to adaptation. Zebu ronmental stresses reducing performance
cattle are uniquely suited to hot climates due to or to predict the ability of the animal to
coat, hide, skin and hematological attributes. adjust to environmental stresses (Dowling,
Form, growth and physiological aspects are 1974; McDowell, 1974).
unique genetic attributes which are different 2. The classical genetic approach of fitness
from those of Bos taurus cattle. Compared with details a selective value for adapted ani-
Bos taurus cattle, Zebu cattle are lower in re- mals to effect a population change i n
production, later maturing, slower growing and harmony with existing environmental
lower in beef quality. Zebu cattle are valuable in conditions (Falconer, 1960).
crossbreeding, with adaptive aspects trans- Rohles (1974) presented an interesting con-
mitted and large amounts of heterosis in cept for environmental research as the eco-
growth, maternal effects and reproductive traits. system complex. The ecosystem complex in-
(Key Words: Beef cattle, Adaptation, Zebu, Bos cluded: ( i ) physical factors defining the envi-
indicus, Production.) ronment; (2) organismic factors, which are
factors describing the animal, and (3) adaptive
Introduction factors, those factors that interact with the
physical factors and organism to allow for
Adaptation is a broad term used to describe adaptation. While adaptation is a complex sub-
the ability of animals to adjust to environmen- ject, the application of knowledge concerning
tal conditions or to infer genetic modifications Zebu cattle is important to beef production in
that make animals more suitable for existence several environments. This paper will present
under specific environmental conditions. Zebu, pertinent research that documents the adaptive
Bos indicus, cattle are widely recognized as aspects of Zebu cattle and their utility as a
adaptable to tropical and subtropical environ- genetic entity.
ments that are restrictive to Bos taurus cattle. Bonsma (1973) presented a comprehensive
However, objective measurements of traits and review of adaptation and beef cattle breeding.
characteristics that directly affect adaption are Zebu, Bos indicus, cattle evolved in the South-
limited. Most work documents the effects of ern hemisphere and ~tdapted to muggy and
environmental factors on production variables scorching environments. These include environ-
or the broad effects of breed comparisons ments defined by mean monthly temperatures
under specified environments. of 18 C or higher and relative humidity of 55%
or higher. It was noted that humidity was of
Discussion little importance compared to temperature.
Research into adaptation can be viewed Therefore, particular emphasis was placed
from two classical perspectives: on temperature effects in the discussion of
Zebu cattle. Because Zebu cattle are smooth-
coated, have primary hair follicles, have better
=Presented at a symposium on "The Role of Zebu developed sweat and sebaceous glands than Bos
Cattle in Efficient Beef Production" at the Annu. taurus cattle and can lose more moisture by
Meet. of the Southern Sec. of the ASAS, Feb. 5, 1979,
in New Orleans, LA. evaporation, they are cited as adaptable to hot
ZPublished with approval of the Director of the climates. In addition, the ability to maintain
Louisiana Agr. Exp. Sta. thermal equilibrium is a necessary factor for
1201
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, Vol. 50, No. 6, 1980
1202 TURNER
normal function and performance. Bonsma
(1973) expanded Zebu attributes to include
coat color, pigmentation, conformation, genetic
adaptation to the source of nutrition (forages)
and resistance to pests and disease. The implica-
tions are that Zebu cattle are adaptable to
poorer quality forages and soils of low pH and
are resistant to ectoparasites and diseases trans-
mitted by ectoparasites. Frisch and Vercoe
(1978) studied 15-month weights of Bos indi-
cus, Bos taurus and crosses and listed Brahmans
as resistant to ticks, worms, pinkeye, heat and
nutritional fluctuations. Brahmans (Bos indicus)
were also cited as having lower inherent volun-
tary feed intake and lower relative maintenance
requirements.
Howes (1963) reported that hematological
comparisons of Brahman and Hereford cattle
in Florida were related to respiration and
adaptation. Brahman cattle were observed to
have higher red blood cell counts, total cell
volume and hemoglobin values. Venous blood
of Brahman cattle had less carbon dioxide than
did that of Herefords. These results imply that
Brahman cattle are capable of maintaining
lower respiration rates during periods of high
ambient temperatures. Evans (1963) confirmed
these hematological advantages for Zebu cattle
as well as the effect of the advantages on
adaptation to temperature stress.
Allen (1962) compared Brahman and Jersey
cattle skin temperatures and respiration rates at
air tempetaures from 24 C to 35 C. Zebu cattle
had lower respiration rates at all levels of skin
temperature, and skin temperature of Zebus
closely followed air temperature. Zebu cattle
had the lower skin temperature below 24 C and
the higher mean temperature above 35 C. It
should be noted that Jersey cattle are generally
accepted as adapted to warm climates.
Cartwright (1955) documented advantages
in heat tolerance of Brahman and F-1 crosses
over Hereford cattle. Superior summer gains
were cited as important measures of adaptive
merit of Brahmans and the Brahman x Here-
ford crosses.
Johnson (1963) cited the major factor
favoring Brahman cattle as heat tolerance or
the ability to respond to increasing heat loads.
Tugwell et al. (1969) studied levels of Brah-
man breeding and color as factors affecting
horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), attractive-
ness and(or) repellency. As Brahman breeding
(percentage of blood) increased, actual fly
counts decreased, regardless of color. Subse-
quent investigation of ambient temperature,
humidity and sunlight in association with horn
fly counts and respiration rate, surface temper-
ature and moisture of the animal did not define
attractiveness and(or) repellency. Brahman
breeding was cited as the important variable.
Brown et al. (1977) found lighter coat color to
be important in reducing fly counts in Arkansas.
Breed differences were important during peri-
ods of high fly populations. No specific refer-
ence to the Brahman breed was made, yet
purebred cattle were studied. Rick (1962)
established Bos indicus breeding as a factor
promoting resistance to the cattle tick, Boopbi-
lus microplus. Bos indicus x Bos taurus crosses
were more resistant than were Bos taurus cattle.
A portion of the resistance was termed innate.
Strother et al. (1974) documented the resist-
ance of Brahman cattle to the Lone Star tick,
A m b l y o r n m a americanum. Both Brahman and
Brahman • Hereford crosses were more re-
sistant than Herefords.
Steelman et al. (1973) and Steelman et al.
(1976) documented the efficacy of Brahman
characteristics in reducing weight loss due to
mosquito attack. Brahman steers were found
to be more tolerant to mosquito attack than
were Herefords on the basis of weight gains.
Dowling (1974) dismissed the notion that
heat tolerance limits Bos taurus cattle in
Australia. He cited the resistance of Bos indicus
cattle to ticks and parasites and calving ease as
the important adaptive attributes and suggested
that crossbreeding with Bos taurus cattle is
necessary to improve production efficiency.
The environmental effects of nutritional
status and breed x environment interaction on
Zebu cattle are difficult to document. Zebu cat-
tle are universally accepted as adapted to poor
quality forages. Stated differently, they can
survive and produce in restrictive environments.
Most attribute this quality of Zebu cattle to a
genetic ability to utilize forages more effi-
ciently. Rogerson et al. (1968) compared Boran
(Zebu) steers with grade Herefords (Bos taurus)
on high energy diets and concluded that Zebu
steers have lower dry matter intakes but do not
use feedstuffs more efficiently. Zebu cattle had
lower metabolic rates, and water intake was
similar. Efficiency was measured as growth
relative to feed intake. Lofgreen et al. (1975)
reported that Brahman • British steers utilized
energy more efficiently than British steers
under a heat stress of warm drinking water
(32.2 C) compared to cooled drinking water
 ADAPTABILITY ASPECTS OF ZEBU CATTLE
(18.3 C). Moore et al. (1975) reported a sig-
nificant breed x diet (energy level) interaction
in diet digestibilities. They observed that Brah-
man bull calves were more efficient on low
energy (high roughage) diets than were Here-
fords, yet Herefords were superior to Brahmans
on a high energy (low roughage) diet. The im-
plication was that Brahman cattle utilize low
energy diets more effectively than high energy
diets. Related observations made by Bonsma
(1973) verify that Zebu cattle founder readily
under intensive feedlot conditions with moder-
ate to high energy diets. Feed intake, nutri-
tional requirements for growth and mainte-
nance requirements for Zebu cattle may be
different from those for Bos taurus cattle
(Frisch and Vercoe, 1978). Evidence at least
suggests advantages for Zebu cattle on roughage
diets. Zebu cattle do not adapt to high energy
feeding as readily as Bos taurus.
The unique qualities of Zebu cattle in com-
parison to B o s taurus breeds are important
considerations for the breeding decisions made
by many cattlemen. Because Zebu cattle are
humped and atypical in conformation, and
appear by observation to be shallow and nar-
row in the heart girth and narrow in the crops,
they may not be considered as acceptable beef
animals. Zebu cattle grunt or bellow more
than low, and their disposition is truly different.
Zebu cattle are docile and quiet yet possess the
ability to become aroused more quickly than
do Bos taurus cattle. Zebu cattle are difficult to
handle under forced or stress working condi-
tions. Some will fight, jump or exhibit ex-
tremely nervous behavior. Others sulk and
refuse to be moved when they tire or face
unfamiliar surroundings. It is safe to say that
more research into animal behavior is needed
and that learning and understanding the Zebu
psyche will be an interesting research area.
Some Zebu cattle are extremely docile while
others are totally unruly. Disposition is be-
lieved to be heritable, and it is the most impor-
tant reason why Zebu cattle are not used more
in crossbreeding.
Zebu cattle are poorer in reproductive effi-
ciency than Bos taurus cattle under subtropical
conditions in the United States (Warnick, 1963;
Reynolds, 1973; Wythe, 1970; Bazer, 1973).
Howes (1963) stated that Brahman cows had
lower ovulation rates than did Hereford cows.
Also, lower levels of thyroid, adrenal and
ovarian activity were cited as factors con-
tributing to the Brahman's greater heat toler-
1203
ance but lower reproductive efficiency. Howes
(1963) and Hentges and Howes (1963) indi-
cated that Brahman cows milked more than
Herefords and used feedstuffs and nutrients
from body stores to lactate at the expense of
reproduction. Delayed estrus and subsequent
lower reproductive rates were obvious effects.
Kincaid (1963) documented a lactation status
x breed interaction in fertility (calving rate).
Dry Brahman cows were 13% more fertile than
wet Brahman cows, while wet Hereford cows
bred better (10%) than dry Hereford cows.
The Brahman breed of the United States has
other unique reproductive qualities. Perinatal
calving losses are normally greater in purebred
Brahman herds (Reynolds, 1973). Franke et al.
(1975) documented the incidence and charac-
terized the weak calf syndrome in Brahman
cattle. Purebred Brahman calves are often lack-
ing in vigor at birth and are adversely affected
by cool, moist conditions. Puberty occurs later
in Zebu cattle than in Bos taurus breeds (Plasse
et al., 1968b; Bazer, 1973). Late sexual matu-
rity is a well-known characteristic of Zebu
cattle. Brahman cattle have a gestation period
of 292 days (Plasse et al., 1968c), and calving
intervals average 410 days (Plasse et al., 1968a).
Plasse et al. (1968b) observed a seasonal estrus
activity in Brahman heifers, with spring and
summer activity greatest. Zebu cattle are
recognized as having excellent longevity and
little dystocia (Wythe, 1970).
Brahman cattle have been characterized as
slow-growing feedlot cattle that are lower
grading and produce less tender beef (Turner,
1973). Slower growth performance for pure-
bred Brahman steers was also reported by
Crockett (1973) and Peacock et al. (1973).
Carpenter (1973) reported that compared to
straightbred Brahman, British • Brahman
crosses produced carcasses with increas~ed
weight, grade, palatability and fat content
with lower percentage lean and bone. Zebu
purebreds are not recognized as efficient
beef cattle but are desirable in restrictive
environments.
The genetic utility of Zebu cattle has been
well documented in beef production systems.
Zebu crossbreds, Bos indicus • Bos taurus,
including reciprocal crosses, exhibit heterosis in
several economically important traits. The
greatest and most important hybrid effects are
found in reproductive performance (Turner e t
al., 1968; Bazer, 1973). Maternal heterosis is
large for weaning weight (McDonald and Turner,
1204 TURNER
1972). Preweaning and postweaning growth
tra ts exhibit heterosis of e c o n o m i c significance
and are well d o c u m e n t e d . Carptenter (1973)
stated that heterosis for carcass traits was
limited almost entirely to traits associated with
carcass weight.
The u l t i m a t e utility of Zebu cattle has been
in well-defined crossbreeding programs. Achiev-
ing adaptation to hot climates and p o o r forage
areas with Zebu crossbreeds via additive in-
heritance and utilizing h e t e r o t i c advantages in
re!rroductive, maternal and g r o w t h - r e l a t e d
traits is the m a n n e r in which breeders use Zebu
cattle. As atypical cattle, t h e y excel in cross-
breeding systems utilizing the additive inheri-
tance of B o s t a u r u s breeds. Crossbreeds are
intermediates that adapt in m u c h the same way
as Zebu parental stock yet perform b e t t e r than
the B o s t a u r u s parent breed. The success o f
such crossbreeding has led to the estabTishment
of several new breeds based u p o n percentage
of blood and selection. The c o m m o n f a c t o r in
most is that Zebu inheritance has been utilized
for adaptation to produce in hot climates. It
is i m p o r t a n t to n o t e that the South and S o u t h -
west are regions of relatively high temperatures
in which a sizable portion o f the United States
b e e f cattle p o p u l a t i o n is located. Zebu cross-
bred cattle can and do m o v e into m o r e t e m p e r -
ate zones, but the advantages of Zebu breeding
apparently decline as B o s t a u r u s cattle b e c o m e
b e t t e r adapted and p e r f o r m mo.re favorably.
A d a p t a t i o n to cold w e a t h e r quickly b e c o m e s
the more i m p o r t a n t consideration.
Purebred Zebu cattle are found in greatest
numbers in Texas, Florida and Louisiana. H o w -
ever, interest has allowed for expansion o f
Zebu cattle into o t h e r states in the S o u t h
and Southwest. Additionally, Zebu breeders
have advanced interest in developing and re-
cording different types of Zebu cattle. The
A m e r i c a n Brahman Breeders Association cur-
rently maintains a single h e r d b o o k , while the
Pan A m e r i c a n Zebu Association has separate
h e r d b o o k s for Zebu Tejano, Indu-Brazil and
Gyr cattle.
Zebu cattle in the United States o c c u p y a
unique position. Purebreds are normally n o t
used in commercial p r o d u c t i o n , and m a n y
c a t t l e m e n are u n i n f o r m e d a b o u t the m e r i t o f
Zebu breeding. There is no questioning the
effective use o f Zebu cattle for crossbreeding.
Probably no o t h e r types or breeds have such a
w e l l - d e f i n e d and accepted role in c o m m e r c i a l
beef production.
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