Meat mineral composition from different genetic groups cattle with distinct ages

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the meat mineral composition from different genetic groups’ cattle with distinct ages. The samples were obtained from sixteen castrated Nellore and F1 Sindi x Nellore cattle with 36 and 48 months of age. The animals were finished in feedlot in the UFRuralRJ, received the same diet and presented average weights of 318,8 (±17,8)kg and 460,0 (±10,1)kg at the beginning of the experimental period and slaughter, respectively. After the carcass colding, was collected a portion of Longissimus dorsi between the 12ª and 13ª ribs to the analysis of the mineral composition. The experimental design was the completely randomized in factorial arrangement 2x2 with two genetic groups (Nellore and F1 Sindi x Nellore) and two ages (36 and 48 months). F1 Sindi x Nellore bovines present major sodium (122,86g/kg vs 104,16g/kg) and potassium (19,56mg/kg vs 16,96mg/kg) contents in their meats in relation to Nellore. There was no influence of age in the meat mineral contents from the evaluated animals. In these experimental conditions, it is concluded that the inclusion of the Sindi breed in crossbreed programs with Nellore bovines results in increasing of sodium and potassium contents in the meats from F1 Sindi x Nellore animals.