Brazil has the world largest commercial cattle herd with over 220 million animals. Extensive pasture systems offer some welfare benefits but also present challenges including inadequate shade, water, and veterinary care across vast remote areas.
Cattle in extensive Brazilian pasture systems may travel long distances to access water in dry season, suffering heat stress and dehydration when water sources fail. Inadequate shade causes heat stress in tropical climates. Veterinary treatment for sick or injured animals in remote pastures is often delayed or unavailable. The welfare of cattle in extensive tropical systems is poorly monitored relative to intensive systems in temperate countries.