The efficiency of fat and protein retention by Bos indicus and its cross-breds was estimated from data obtained in the literature to verify possible differences between these animals and Bos taurus. After estimating the efficiencies, a correction factor was used to discount the metabolizable energy fraction that was spent in the maintenance and support metabolism processes. The efficiencies were then estimated again, assuming that all the remaining energy would correspond to the metabolizable energy available for body mass retention. The correction value used was considered satisfactory to discount energetic losses for maintenance and support. The efficiency values of partial body fat and protein retention in Bos indicus and its cross-bred were very similar to values reported by other authors who researched Bos taurus exclusively.