title: Animal Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Bulls (1/2 Purunã vs 1/2 Canchim) Slaughtered at 16 and 22 Months Old, and Three Different Weights.
abstract: Current study aimed to evaluate the performance of bulls (1/2 Purunã vs 1/2 Canchim) slaughtered at two ages and three different weights. One hundred and thirteen bulls were divided into two slaughter ages (16 and 22 months) and three different slaughter weights (light, 422 kg; medium, 470 kg; and heavy, 550 kg). The body weight was higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Daily gain, carcass weight and dressing were higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Feed intake was higher for bulls slaughtered at 22 months although feed efficiency was better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Carcass characteristics were better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. The percentages of muscle, fat and bone and meat characteristics were similar between two slaughter ages. Feed intake and animal performance was lower for lighter animals. Feed conversion and carcass dressing were similar in the three slaughter weights. Muscle percentage was higher for heavier animals but fat and bone percentages were lower. Slaughter weight had no effect on meat characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ivanor Nunes
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: do Prado
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos Emanuel
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Eiras
authors.affiliation: Departament of Agriculture, Goiáno Federal Institute, Cristalina, GO 73850-000, Brazil .
authors.forename: Carlos Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Fugita
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Augusto Cortêz
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Passetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariana Garcia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ornaghi
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil.
authors.forename: Dayane Cristina
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Rivaroli
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Maringá, Umuarama, PR 87020-900, Brazil .
authors.forename: Adriana Aparecida
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Agronomic Institute of Paraná, Ponta Grossa, PR 84001-970, Brazil .
authors.forename: José Luiz
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Moletta
keywords: Crossbreeding; Feed Intake; Feedlot; Slaughter Age