Abstract
This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Intramuscular fat from Nellore steers had a more favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio than that from Angus vs. Nellore bulls (4.37 vs. 11.45, respectively). Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability were higher (p < 0.001) for meats of the Nellore steers, regardless of ageing time (1, 4, 7 and 14 days).
Highlights
In Brazil, traditional cattle production is extensive and usually pasture-based (Ferraz & Felício, 2010)
This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls
Final body weight was higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers (578.4 kg) than for the crossbred Angus vs. Nellore bulls (470.8 kg; Table 1), which was a result of the different age at slaughter
Summary
In Brazil, traditional cattle production is extensive and usually pasture-based (Ferraz & Felício, 2010). Zebu breeds (Bos taurus indicus), such as Nellore, are frequently used (Moreira et al, 2008; Rotta et al, 2009; Silva et al, 2010) This production system is characterised by a low efficiency, with an average carcass weight of around 225 kg at 36 months slaughter age and a potential negative impact on the meat quality (Prado et al, 2012; Rotta et al, 2009). In Brazil, cattle production systems based on pastures are mainly located in the central-western, northern and north-eastern regions of the country (Ferraz & Felício, 2010). Crossbreeding among Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus significantly reduces slaughter age and improves feed efficiency and meat quality
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