Energy and protein requirements composition body area and principal carcass cuts in six genetic groups of cattle i. body composition and weight gain
Teixeira, J.C.; Silva, J.F.C.D.; Garcia, J.A.; Silva, M.D.A.; Lorenzoni, W.R.
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia 16(2): 175-180
1987
Accession: 005360940
This work was done at Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Vicosa [Brazil] with the objective to study the influence of different genetic groups of cattle (Buffalos, Zebu, Holstein, 1/2 HZ, 3/4 HZ, and 5/8 HZ) on body composition and the composition of weight gain. The feeding trial lasted for 242 days. Six reference animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental period, and the remaining 60 animals when each group reached 420 kg average live weight. Body composition was evaluated by the specific gravity of carcass and of the section from 9th to 11th rib. Results led to the following conclusions: (a) There was no significant difference between the methods used to determine body composition. It may be suggested that body composition of cattle could be estimated by sections between 9th and 11th, as a practical and less expensive method. (b) Body composition was influenced by genetic group. The Zebu group showed higher (P < 0.05) energy concentration than the other groups that showed just small differences among them.