Animal Genetics vs. Pasture Genetics: what Really Comes First in Tropical Livestock

It’s increasingly common to see ranchers investing heavily in elite bovine genetics, seeking superior bulls and cows to boost herd productivity. However, many overlook a fundamental principle: no genetics can perform to its full potential without a solid environmental foundation.

The same applies to tropical pasture genetics.
Producers often get excited about the release of new cultivars — high-yielding materials resistant to pests and adaptable to various environments. But the truth is simple: there’s no point in choosing the latest pasture variety if the basic soil and management conditions are not in place.

Before the cultivar comes the foundation: 4 essential steps

1. Soil diagnosis (1st priority)

Everything begins with a comprehensive physical and chemical soil analysis — evaluating pH, texture, fertility, aluminum levels, organic matter, and drainage.
Without this diagnosis, any cultivar choice is a shot in the dark.

2. Corrections and agronomic practices (2nd priority)

Based on the diagnosis, it’s crucial to define soil correction measures (liming, gypsum application, fertilization) and implement best agronomic practices, such as proper soil preparation, initial weed control, and correct pasture establishment.

3. Infrastructure and available resources (3rd priority)

Before sowing, the ranch must ensure it has the right infrastructure: water availability, pasture divisions, fences, shade, handling facilities, and trained labor. Without structure, even the best cultivar loses efficiency.

4. Cultivar selection (4th priority)

Only after completing the previous steps should you select the right cultivar. This decision must be technical and strategic, aligned with soil and climate conditions, the production system (beef or dairy), and the desired level of intensification.

Genetics doesn’t work miracles — it makes a difference when there’s a foundation

Just like animal genetics, the potential of tropical pasture genetics can only be fully expressed when the environment is properly prepared.

Choosing a cultivar before building that foundation is like investing in elite bulls for a ranch that lacks the structure to make use of their genetic potential.

When conditions are limited, the smartest decision is to choose more rustic, adaptable varieties that can perform well under challenging environments and still deliver consistent results.

In tropical livestock, the foundation always comes before innovation.
Success lies not only in genetics but in the correct order of priorities: assess, correct, structure, and then innovate.

At SGM Seeds, we reinforce this principle as part of our mission — helping producers achieve sustainable and long-term results through high-quality tropical seeds and intelligent pasture management.