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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Correlations of visual scores, carcass traits, feed efficiency and retail product yield in Nellore cattle

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Author(s):
Cancian, Paulo Henrique [1] ; Gomes, Rodrigo da Costa [1] ; Manicardi, Fernando Ricardo [1] ; Ianni, Andrea Cristina [1] ; Bonin, Marina de Nadai [1] ; Leme, Paulo Roberto [1] ; da Luz e Silva, Saulo [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, FZEA, Dept Anim Sci, BR-13635900 Pirassununga, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Scientia Agricola; v. 71, n. 1, p. 17-22, JAN-FEB 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

The growing use of visual scores (VS) and ultrasound (US) for carcass evaluation in breeding programs, calls for a knowledge of the relationships between these traits and other relevant characteristics, such as feed efficiency and production of commercial cuts. The objective of this study was to evaluate correlations between body visual scores and carcass traits identified by ultrasound (US) and feed efficiency (FE), carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP) and retail product yield (RPY) in beef cattle. Nellore cattle (male), 42 non-castrated [NCAST] and 44 castrated [CAST]) were evaluated by both VS and US, at the postweaning (15-month old) and finishing phases (21-month old). Visual scores of conformation (C), precocity (P) and muscling (M) were assessed and the backfat thickness (UBFT), rump fat thickness (URFT) and ribeye area (UREA) were measured by ultrasound. Gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio and residual feed intake (RFI) were measured in feedlot. Hot carcass weight, DP and RPY were determined at harvest. Non-castrated cattle had greater HCW and RPY but lower UBFT and URFT than CAST. Postweaning VS and US were poorly correlated with FE in both sexual conditions. Finishing VS were negatively correlated with G:F in CAST and finishing URFT was negatively correlated with RPY in NCAST. The relationship of VS and US with feed efficiency and meat yield is affected by age at the date of evaluation and by castration. Feed efficiency is not related to the yield of meat cuts in Nellore cattle (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/01159-8 - Visual scores and their relation with feed efficiency and carcass traits and retail cuts yield in Nellore cattle
Grantee:Paulo Henrique Cancian
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation