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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202552Assessing the Potential of Droughtmaster Cattle for Livestock Improvement in Timor-Leste: A Comparative Review of Production, Reproductive, and Health Performance in Australia and IndonesiaAlipio de AlmeidaDepartamentu Saude AnimalUniversidade Nacional Timor Lorosa%u2019eAbstractDroughtmaster cattle, a composite Bos indicus %u00d7 Bos taurus breed developed in northern Australia, are valued for their adaptability to tropical conditions, including heat tolerance, disease resistance, and solid production traits. This review assesses their performance in Australia and Indonesia and explores their potential for livestock improvement in Timor-Leste. In Australia, Droughtmasters demonstrate moderate birth weights (30%u201335 kg), strong growth (0.9%u20131.2 kg/day), and mature weights of 800%u20131000 kg (bulls) and 550%u2013700 kg (cows). Reproductive traits include puberty at 12%u201315 months, first calving at 24%u201327 months, and 12%u201314 month calving intervals. They also produce 4%u20136 liters of milk daily over 180%u2013210 days. Their resistance to parasites, tropical diseases, and heat stress reduces the need for veterinary intervention, making them ideal for lowinput systems. In Indonesia, where Droughtmasters have been introduced since the 1980s, performance remains strong despite nutritional constraints. Daily gains average 0.7%u20131.0 kg, with first calving at 28%u201332 months and calving intervals of 14%u201316 months. Health outcomes remain positive with basic care. For Timor-Leste, where cattle productivity is hindered by poor genetics and limited health services, Droughtmasters offer significant potential. Their dual-purpose role in meat and milk production could support school feeding and nutrition programs while increasing rural incomes. Daily milk yields of 4%u20136 litres under proper management could help address child malnutrition.Successful integration will require targeted investment in breeding, animal health, feeding systems, and cooperative-based milk distribution. This review provides a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to support sustainable cattle development and nutrition improvement in Timor-Leste.Keywords: Droughtmaster cattle, reproduction, production performance, health status, Timor-Leste, dual-purpose cattle