By Lloyd Phillips
Brazil will soon host the 90th ExpoZebu – a livestock exhibition showcasing Zebu cattle and highlighting ongoing advancements in breeding and production programmes with eight breeds. The Brazilian Zebu Breeders’ Association (ABCZ) has invited African Farming to attend and report on the event. All Southern African cattle breeders and producers are also invited to attend the event
The hosts of the week-long exhibition, among them the Brazilian government, are eager to share their knowledge and experience with visitors from all over the world. The exhibition kicks off on 26 April in Uberaba in the state of Minas Gerais.
Well-known South African cattle breeder Jan Serfontein of Serfbred Brahmans has attended more than 30 of the 89 ExpoZebu exhibitions held since 1982, and has always been highly impressed by what he has seen. He has found the exhibitions, along with related events like ExpoGenetica and visits to research and private farms, enormously interesting, educational and fun.
Raquel Dal Secco Borges, international relations manager at ABCZ, points out that several cattle breeds have descended from the original Zebu cattle of the Indian subcontinent. ExpoZebu focuses on eight of these breeds, including the Brahman, a well-known and popular South African breed, and the Nelore. Notably, a Nelore cow currently holds the world record for the highest price ever paid for a cow: Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movés was sold at auction in Brazil in 2023 for US$4 million (more than R72 million).
More than a century of breeding progress
“The ABCZ, together with Brazilian farmers, has developed several Zebu breeds through selection, research and applied science to create cattle that are more productive, resilient and adaptable to various environmental challenges,” Borges told African Farming. “This work, which took place over the span of 100 years, has transformed Brazil into the largest exporter of beef to the world and a major producer of milk.
“The introduction of Zebu breeds to Southern Africa and other African countries can provide hybrid vigour through crossbreeding with indigenous breeds.”
Serfontein says it is unfortunate that South Africa currently has major restrictions on the import of Zebu cattle breeding material from Brazil. He believes that some of this material could be beneficial to certain parts of South Africa’s cattle-breeding and -production sectors.
Borges says that the ABCZ and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply are working together to negotiate and sign zoosanitary agreements with foreign government authorities so that other countries can have access to “the excellence of Brazilian livestock”.
In addition to showcasing animal breeding material, ExpoZebu also brings together companies and farms that supply products such as pasture seed, equipment, and veterinary and nutritional solutions, Borges says. “Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest technology and innovations in cattle farming and feedlot management.”
Serfontein agrees that Brazil is making remarkable strides in developing high-quality innovations across all aspects of cattle and other agricultural production. He is particularly impressed by the Brazilian government’s comprehensive support for ongoing high-quality research and development in the country’s cattle sector.
Forging relationships for mutual benefit
Werner Trieloff grew up in the farming community of Viljoenskroon in the Free State. He has lived in Brazil since 2008, and in now fluent in Brazilian Portuguese, along with Afrikaans and English. He is knowledgeable about Brazilian culture, and is involved in various aspects of agriculture in Brazil. He has generously offered his interpreting and guiding services to African Farming during ExpoZebu 2025.
“I am passionate about helping people and businesses connect Latin America and Africa. If these two continents work together more closely, they have the potential to solve world hunger,” Trieloff says.
“By attending ExpoZebu, farmers and others involved in Southern African cattle production will gain valuable insights into how things are done in Brazil, and have the opportunity to meet potential new business partners.
“Since South Africans don’t need visas to visit Brazil and direct flights between the two countries have resumed, it is now easier than ever to attend ExpoZebu.”
WATCH: An introductory video about ExpoZebu.
To learn more about ExpoZebu, visit expozebu.com.br and use Google Translate to translate the information, or contact Yasmin Afonso Tormin Perisse (email: internacional@abcz.org.br, WhatsApp: +55 34 9802 5610), or Werner Trieloff (email: wernert@wdtinternational.com, WhatsApp: +55 51 8594 3515).
Keep an eye on African Farming’s social media channels and on africanfarming.com for coverage of ExpoZebu.
