08 Jul 2025
23m

Can Brazil’s supercows feed the world?

Podcast cover

The Inquiry

The BBC podcast "The Inquiry" explores whether Brazil's Zebu "supercows" can feed the world, examining the rise of Zebu cattle in Brazil, their genetic advantages, and Brazil's dominance in beef exports. The podcast investigates the historical context of Zebu introduction, driven by globalization and the need for cattle suited to tropical climates, and the political influence of the beef industry in Brazil. While Brazil's beef production is booming, particularly with rising demand from China, the podcast also addresses the environmental impact of cattle rearing, especially deforestation in the Amazon, and considers potential solutions and the political challenges involved in mitigating these effects.

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