Exploration of Extension Research to Promote Genetic Improvement in Cattle Production: Systematic Review

Simple Summary Genetic improvement in the cattle production industry is a driver of productive, economic and sustainable improvements. Farmers have genetic tools that make it easier for them to make decisions considering their social and productive reality. Although there are new techniques and tools to improve livestock genetics, and despite efforts to promote their use through agricultural extension, there is still a gap between the creation of these tools and their actual use by livestock farmers. This review was conducted to understand how genetic improvement tools in livestock production are being promoted globally. Most studies carried out surveys or interviews with farmers and stakeholders on both social and productive topics. Although social factors are known to affect whether these improvements are adopted or not, the use of social theories to understand this is still in its incipient. More research is needed to understand how to successfully promote the use of these genetic tools in specific productive regions.Abstract In the cattle industry, tools for genetic improvement play a crucial role in animal selection. The changing circumstances faced by farmers and the significant part agricultural extension plays in these changes must be considered. Despite progress in genetic selection tools and the push for their adoption through extension services, a disconnect persists between the development of new strategies and tools for genetic improvement and their adoption by livestock farmers. This systematic review is designed to globally investigate the methodology and outcomes of extension research aimed at advancing genetic improvement in beef cattle. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across four databases for studies published from January 2012 to June 2023. Twenty-one articles were selected and reviewed. The research design in the articles predominantly employed mixed methods, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. While social factors are acknowledged as influencers in the adoption process, the application of theories or frameworks from social sciences is still in its early stages. To successfully implement extension activities that promote the use of genetic tools in cattle for a specific production region, more participatory research is required where farmers are actively involved.