Crossbreeding applied to systems of beef cattle production to improve performance traits and carcass quality
R. Favero,
G.R.O. Menezes,
R.A.A. Torres, Jr.,
L.O.C. Silva,
M.N. Bonin,
G.L.D. Feijó,
G. Altrak,
M.V.G. Niwa,
R. Kazama,
I.Y. Mizubuti,
R.C. Gomes
Affiliations
R. Favero
Department of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Highway, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
G.R.O. Menezes
Embrapa Beef Cattle, 830 Radio Maia Avenue, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
R.A.A. Torres, Jr.
Embrapa Beef Cattle, 830 Radio Maia Avenue, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
L.O.C. Silva
Embrapa Beef Cattle, 830 Radio Maia Avenue, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
M.N. Bonin
College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FAMEZ), Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), 2443 Senador Felinto Muller Avenue, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
G.L.D. Feijó
Embrapa Beef Cattle, 830 Radio Maia Avenue, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
G. Altrak
Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Amaro Antônio Vieira Highway, 88036-020, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
M.V.G. Niwa
College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FAMEZ), Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), 2443 Senador Felinto Muller Avenue, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
R. Kazama
Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Amaro Antônio Vieira Highway, 88036-020, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
I.Y. Mizubuti
Department of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Highway, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
R.C. Gomes
Embrapa Beef Cattle, 830 Radio Maia Avenue, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N_N), Angus × Nellore (A_N) and Caracu × Nellore (C_N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R_A), backfat thickness (B_T) and rump fat thickness (R_T). A_N progeny were heavier at birth than N_N (P 0.05). Progeny of N_N cows had greater B_T (P 0.05). A_N progeny were superior in final B_T compared to C_N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R_T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value.
