Abstract
A total of 100 young bulls were allotted a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effect of the feeding system (concentrate and wheat straw: T; total mixed ration comprised of the same concentrate, maize silage and wheat straw: TMR) and breed (Limousine: LI; Retinta: RE) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The diets were administrated ad libitum for 193days. The average daily weight gain was similar (P>0.05) for both diets, while the LI bulls grew significantly (P<0.05) more than RE. T bulls showed higher L*, a* and rib bone percentage. TMR bulls showed higher carcass yield, conformation and fatness, and greater changes in ultrasound measurements, except Δ UGMD and rib fat percentage. Instrumental meat quality, except shear force at 1 and 21days of ageing, was not affected (P>0.05) by the diets. Breed significantly affected most of the analyzed characteristics.
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