Zebu cattle are adapted to tropical environments and heat stress, but face welfare challenges in rapidly intensifying production systems across the developing world.
Zebu cattle evolved alongside tropical parasites and climates in ways that give them real welfare advantages over European breeds in hot environments. They are more resistant to ticks, heat stress and certain tropical diseases. However, as production systems intensify - particularly in Brazil's beef sector - zebu face welfare challenges from high stocking densities, reduced access to shade and water, and management practices borrowed from temperate cattle production that are inappropriate for tropical conditions. The welfare of zebu in smallholder African systems is also under pressure from climate change extending drought periods and reducing dry-season forage availability.