Leather quality of beefalo‐Nellore cattle in different production systems

Abstract

The aim was to compare the effects of two production systems on performance, carcass traits and physical-mechanical characteristics of leather from Beefalo-Nellore steers and heifers and to determine if the response to the production system was similar for both genders. A total of 40 Beefalo-Nellore cattle, 20 steers and 20 heifers, were evaluated. Animals were divided into two production systems: slaughtered at 15 (intensive system) or 26 (extensive system) months of age. In the intensive system, all animals received a ration containing 600 g/kg corn silage and 400 g/kg concentrate. In the extensive system, animals were kept on a pasture predominantly based on Brachiaria sp. and supplemented with 2 kg/day concentrate. In the intensive system, there was no difference in slaughter weight (470 kg body weight) between steers and heifers but steers in the extensive system had greater slaughter weight than heifers (463 and 428 kg body weight, respectively). Leather weight was higher for animals in the intensive than extensive system but there was no difference in leather weight once excess fat was removed. Leather quality from Beefalo-Nellore cattle slaughtered at 15 or 26 months of age is similar although carcass yield is higher for cattle slaughtered at a younger age.

Effect of the gain rate during growing phase on the performance and characteristics of carcass and meat of super precocious steers

“…These authors found in their results that animals that were previously restricted from feed prioritize muscle growth over adipose tissue deposition. In the super precocious system, in which animals are slaughtered in intensive production systems, usually up to 16 months old (Ítavo et al, 2017), this can be a problem, because animals need to achieve the minimum fat required by slaughterhouses at a young age. On the other hand, Costa et al (2015) observed that the carcass composition after compensatory growth was similar to the constant growth group.…”

Combinações de fontes de nitrogênio não proteico em suplementos para novilhos Nelore em pastejo

“…Quando o objetivo da suplementação é obter ganhos de até 0,5kg/dia, é obrigatória a inclusão de fontes de energia e proteína no suplemento (SILVA et al, 2009). A suplementação durante todo o período seco é recomendada e o consumo pode variar entre 0,1% a 0,6% do peso corporal, de acordo com o objetivo a ser alcançado e a disponibilidade de massa de forragem para não limitar o consumo do animal (ÍTAVO et al, 2007b). No trabalho é possível observar que mesmo com o adequado fornecimento de suplemento, no mês de outubro, a redução drástica da disponibilidade e valor nutritivo da pastagem promoveu redução do ganho de peso em todos os tratamentos (Tabela 5).…”