| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Moreira, Aline D.
[1]
;
Siqueira, Gustavo R.
[2, 1]
;
Lage, Josiane F.
[3]
;
Benatti, Joao Marcos B.
[3]
;
Moretti, Matheus H.
[4]
;
Miguel, Giulianna Z.
[5]
;
de Oliveira, Ivanna M.
[2]
;
de Resende, Flavio D.
[2, 1]
Total Authors: 8
|
| Affiliation: | [1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Anim Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
[2] APTA, BR-14770000 Colina, SP - Brazil
[3] Bellman Anim Nutr, BR-13080650 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[4] Agroceres Multimix, BR-13502741 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[5] UNEMAT Univ Estado Mato Grosso, BR-78200000 Caceres, Mato Grosso - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE; v. 58, n. 7, p. 1307-1315, 2018. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 3 |
| Abstract | |
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of castration methods (surgical or immunological - GnRH vaccine) on performance and carcass traits of beef cattle raised until slaughter on tropical pasture. On Day0, 30 crossbred beef bulls (50% Aberdeen Angus x 50% Nellore) with a bodyweight (BW) of 233 +/- 38 kg and age of 8 months were randomly divided into three groups: intact males (INT) - Control, surgically castrated (SUC; Day 1), and immunocastrated (IMC; Days 1, 84 and 237). Serum testosterone concentrations, scrotal circumference, average daily gain, and ultrasonic backfat depth were evaluated at 42-day intervals (eight evaluations). All animals were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass traits on Day 336. The GnRH vaccine was efficient in suppressing serum testosterone concentrations (P = 0.02) and scrotal circumference (P < 0.01). No difference in performance was observed between IMC and SUC animals, in which average daily gain was reduced by 14% (P < 0.01) and final BW by 7% (P < 0.01) compared with the INT group. Regardless of the method used, castration improved carcass traits by reducing carcass drip loss during cooling (P = 0.02), by increasing hindquarter percentage (P < 0.01), and by tending to increase the proportion of noble cuts (P = 0.05) compared with the INT group. However, the surgical method was more efficient than the other treatments by increasing fat deposition in the carcass (P < 0.01). Anti-GnRH immunisation in beef cattle raised on tropical pasture can replace surgical castration, but both methods reduce performance. However, in this production system, castration could be an efficient method to add value to the carcass by increasing the hindquarter proportion and fat deposition. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 16/01961-2 - Meta-analysis of different nutritional plans during the post-weaning phase and its impact on the finishing of beef cattle in tropical regions |
| Grantee: | Ivanna Moraes de Oliveira |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/10340-3 - Feeding Strategies in the Growing and Finishing Cattle Nelore |
| Grantee: | Ivanna Moraes de Oliveira |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |