Performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred and Nellore bovines finished in confinement

Abstract

Thirty-six animals (Nelore and crossbred) were confined, with age average of 24 months and initial average weight of 448.10kg. The slaughter occurred after 15 days adaptation and 50 days of experimental evaluation, totaling 65 days of confinement, with final average live weight of 512.25kg. The daily weigh gain and final live weight were similar between Nelore and crossbred, just like hot and cold carcass weights. Nevertheless, hot and cold carcass yields were bigger in Nelore animals (52.96 versus 51.53 and 52.12 versus 50.75%, respectively). Nelore exhibited hindquarter weight of 6.95kg more, which reflected directly in percentage of hindquarter cut, being 51.63% for Nelore and 49.10% for crossbred. The forequarter percentage was bigger in crossbred (40.56 versus 38.35%). The top sirloin cap of Nelore animals was 0.11kg heavier. There were no differences for fat thickness and loin eye area. About fat score and muscularity, Nelore had superior valuations (2.33 versus 1.93 points and 1.95 versus 1.71 points, respectively). Cold carcass pH was not different. Crossbred and Nelore animals, confined at a 65 days period, have satisfactory carcass weight, but did not present minimal fat finishing of 3mm.