Criollo Cattle Breeds as a Potential Alternative for Sustainable and Healthy Beef Production in America

Abstract

Sustainable beef production is a growing concern worldwide, particularly in arid regions where limited natural resources availability and adverse environmental conditions pose significant challenges. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of the potential of Criollo cattle breeds as an alternative for sustainable beef production in America. Criollo cattle, known for their resilience, hardiness, and adaptability to arid and semiarid environments, offer unique advantages in sustainable livestock production systems. Therefore, the use of criollo cattle and their crossbreds may be an alternative to face current and emerging challenges in beef production, which include a decrease in rangelands carrying capacity, adaptation to adverse environmental conditions, increase in diseases and parasites due to climate change, and diminished regional feed and forage production. This manuscript discusses the environmental sustainability of Criollo cattle production, including resource use efficiency, carbon footprint, and land management practices, providing insights into the potential ecological and economic benefits of these breeds. Also, it highlights the role of Criollo cattle in assisting organic and grass-fed beef producers in producing high-quality products using primarily forage-based diets. This approach can significantly enhance their organic or grass-fed certification. Criollo cattle have a unique flavor profile, which is highly sought after by consumers of organic and grass-fed beef. The meat of Criollo cattle produces omega-3, linoleic, and other fatty acids, which are beneficial to human health. Criollo cattle breeds are a valuable resource for enhancing resilience, promoting local biodiversity, producing good quality meat, and contributing to sustainable beef production in America.