Genetic Improvement Applied in Herds of Family Cattle Raising Systems in Panama

The project aimed at genetic improvement of cattle in Panama focuses on optimizing beef and milk production through the use of advanced technologies and crossbreeding strategies under tropical heat stress conditions. It includes the training and evaluation of Beefmaster, Wagyu, and Brahman herds, using molecular markers to select for desirable traits such as beef tenderness. In addition, progeny will be studied for traits such as heat tolerance, methane emission, meat quality, and reproductive efficiency. The objective is to provide farmers with access to animals of high genetic value and to formulate statistical models to evaluate sires and reproductive females, thus strengthening the productivity and sustainability of the national livestock sector. Ultimately, the project is expected to directly benefit more than 32,000 livestock farmers and their families in Panama, improving the quality and competitiveness of beef and dairy products in the market.