Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Applied to Beef Cattle: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Beef cattle farming demands increasing efficiency optimization. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) evaluates the relative efficiency of production units. This study aimed to map the applications of DEA in beef cattle, identifying trends, methods, models and variables. A systematic review was carried out using the PRISMA protocol, with a search in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, resulting in 19 selected articles. The results indicate a significant growth in interest in the area from 2021 onwards, with the 'Brazilian Journal of Animal Science' and 'Agriculture Basel' being the main sources. The BCC model is the most frequently used, with a predominance of input orientation. The most common input variables are 'Expenditure' and 'Output', while 'Revenue' and 'Output' are the most recurrent outputs, with an emerging consideration of environmental variables. It is concluded that this unprecedented compilation offers an overview capable of directing future research and assisting in the selection of methodological approaches.