Livestock farming in Mato Grosso hits record, reaching 45% of cattle slaughtered at up to 24 months of age.

Beef cattle farming in Mato Grosso has reached a new milestone. In the first six months of 2026, 45% of the cattle slaughtered in the state were under 24 months old, the highest percentage in the historical series that began in 2006. This progress reflects ranchers' investments in genetics, nutrition, pasture management, and production technologies, which have reduced the time needed for animals to reach the ideal slaughter weight, increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the beef supply chain.

Data from the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea) shows a significant transformation in the state's livestock industry over the last two decades. In 2006, only 2% of slaughtered animals were under 24 months old. Twenty years later, this share reached 45%, while the share of cattle slaughtered over 36 months old fell from 65% to 22% in the same period.

The change demonstrates that cattle ranchers in Mato Grosso are able to produce more meat in less time, reducing the production cycle without compromising protein quality. In addition to increasing farm efficiency, the strategy improves the return on investment for producers, increases the supply of finished animals, and strengthens their position in the national and international markets.

“The reduction in slaughter age is one of the main indicators of the evolution of livestock farming in Mato Grosso. It shows that producers have invested in technology, genetic improvement, management, and nutrition to produce more meat in less time,” assesses Bruno de Jesus Andrade, project director at the Mato Grosso Institute of Meat (Imac).

Greater efficiency also helps explain the results achieved by the sector in the first half of this year. A total of 3.65 million cattle were slaughtered, an increase of 3.58% compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was mainly driven by males, whose slaughter increased by 13.05%, while the number of females sent to slaughterhouses fell by 4.26%, reflecting the retention of breeding stock to expand the herd.

“Beyond the economic gains, experts point out that animals slaughtered at a younger age also contribute to more sustainable livestock farming. With a shorter production cycle, cattle spend less time on the property, use natural resources more efficiently, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of meat produced, an indicator that is increasingly valued by international markets,” emphasizes the Projects Director of Imac.