Effect of the finishing system and rate of weight gain on the quality characteristics of Angus x Nellore beef

• Grant number: 18/20919-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2018
• End date: November 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Saulo da Luz e Silva
• Grantee: Ana Julia Amaral Hayashida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This work aims to evaluate the effect of the finishing system and the rate of weight gain on the quality characteristics of castrated male Angus x Nellore. The experiment will be performed using a randomized block design (initial live weight) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, two finishing systems (pasture and confinement) and two rates of weight gain (high and low gain). Thirty - six male Angus x Nellore castrates, with initial mean weight of 390 ± 30 kg and 20 months of age, will be used. Eighteen animals will be feedlot fed and 18 will be allocated in pens of grass Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. During the experimental period the performance of the animals will be evaluated. After slaughter, the meat quality characteristics such as color, cooking loss and shear force at different ageing times will be evaluated. In addition, consumer acceptance will be made through sensory analysis.