Carcass traits of Nellore, Caracu. Guzerah and Gir bulls selected for postweaning weight

Abstract

Data from nine studies were compiled to evaluate the effects of selection for postweaning weight on some carcass characteristics in experimental herds of selected Nellore (NeS), control Nellore (NeC), Caracu (CaS), Guzerah (GuS) and Gir (GiS) breeds from Instituto de Zootecnia genetic selection program. After the feeding performance test (168 days after weaning), samples of bulls (n=490) from the progeny groups born between 1992 and 2000 were selected for finishing period and slaughtered. Treatments were different across studies. Meta-analysis was conducted with a random coefficients model in which herd was considered a fixed effect and treatments within year and progeny groups as random effects. Slaughter, empty body, hot carcass and cold carcass weights were higher for NeS and CaS, intermediate for GuS and lower for NeC e GiS. CaS bulls had higher proportions of forequarter and spare ribs and lower proportion of hindquarter than the other groups. No significant differences were found for percentage of edible portion among the genetic groups. Selection for postweaning weight in Nellore increased carcass, hindquarter, forequarter, and spare ribs weights without altering dressing percentage, carcass quarter, and hindquarter prime meat cuts proportions.

Keywords

• crescimento
• dianteiro
• ponta de agulha
• seleção
• traseiro