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

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Dual-purpose systems are important components in the food production line, especially with the increasing interest of consumers demanding food products that are not produced in intensive enterprises that are, in the eyes of the public, deleterious to animal welfare. How would biotechnologies such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer help to improve the efficacy of small community farmers, as the dominant system in the tropics? Different limitations must be considered, such as inadequate record keeping, the limited ability of farmers to invest in their farms, an undefined breeding program limiting genetic progress, challenging environmental conditions, inadequate infrastructure, nutritional practices, and health issues; these are the main considerations of this review. 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.