scholarly journals Effects of distillers dried grains with solubles supplementation on yearling heifers grazing Northern Great Plains rangeland: impacts on subsequent feedlot performance and meat quality1

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1153-1161
Author(s):  
Quynn P Larson ◽  
Robert J Maddock ◽  
Bryan W Neville
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Distillers Dried Grains ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Strip Loin

Abstract Eighty-two yearling crossbred heifers (318.8 ± 1.03 kg) were utilized in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) supplementation on animal performance, while grazing on rangeland of the Northern Great Plains, and subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits. Treatments were: 1) 0% DDGS supplementation (CONT) and 2) 0.6% of body weight (BW) DDGS supplementation (SUP). Heifers received treatments for 70 d (6 June to 16 August) while grazing, and then were acclimated to and fed a common corn-based finishing diet for 109 d. Average daily gain (ADG) of SUP heifers was greater (P ≤ 0.01), resulting in heavier BW (P ≤ 0.03) following grazing compared with CONT heifers. Heifer performance, including ADG (1.91 ± 0.05 kg/d), gain to feed (G:F) (0.15 ± 0.003 kg), dry matter intake (DMI) (12.6 ± 0.20 kg), and final BW (572.4 ± 7.43 kg) were not different (P ≥ 0.13) during finishing. Hot carcass weight (335.7 ± 4.39 kg), Longissimus muscle area (81.30 ± 1.24 cm2), 12th rib fat thickness (1.24 ± 0.06 cm), and kidney, pelvic, heart fat (KPH) (1.85 ± 0.08%) were not different (P ≥ 0.47) between treatments. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.24) between treatments in yield grade (2.9 ± 0.10) or marbling (492 ± 22.3; Small00 = 400). Results from Warner–Bratzler shear force indicated that strip loin steaks from SUP heifers tended (P = 0.07) to have increased tenderness compared with strip loin steaks from CONT heifers (3.3 vs. 3.7 ± 0.12 kg, respectively). Inclusion of 0.6% BW supplementation during grazing increased (P = 0.01) strip loin steak muscle lightness (L*) compared with CONT steaks (46.5 vs. 45.5 ± 0.27, respectively). Strip loin steaks from heifers supplemented DDGS during grazing were perceived to be more tender by taste panelists (P = 0.02) than strip loin steaks from CONT heifers (5.9 vs. 5.5 ± 0.11; eight-point scale). Supplementation of DDGS during grazing improved ADG of yearling heifers with no effect on feedlot performance or carcass characteristics but did improve tenderness and steak sensory attributes.

scholarly journals 190 Winter vs. year-round supplementation of mature beef cows on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of steer progeny

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 59-60
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Palmer ◽  
Marcelo Vedovatto ◽  
Juliana Ranches ◽  
Vinicius Gouvea ◽  
Rhaiza Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Diarrhea Virus ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Wheat Middlings ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Viral Diarrhea Virus

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of year-round supplementation of molasses/urea or wheat middlings-based range cubes to mature cows on subsequent feedlot growth, immunity, and carcass characteristics of their steer progeny. On d 0, 82 mature Brangus cows were stratified by BW and BCS (433 ± 47 kg; 4.6 ± 0.77) and randomly allocated into 1 of 6 bahiagrass pastures (13–14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to 2 pastures/treatment and consisted of supplementation with molasses/urea during winter (MOL-W), or year-round supplementation with molasses/urea (MOL-Y) or range cubes (CUB-Y). Supplements were isocaloric and isonitrogenous (75% TDN, 20% CP; DM basis) and offered at a total yearly supplement DM amount of 272 kg/cow. On d 423, all calves were weaned, and 33 steers were randomly selected for the feedlot phase. Steers were penned based on cow prepartum pasture distribution and managed similarly until slaughter (d 661). Data were analyzed as complete randomized design using MIXED procedure of SAS, pasture as the experimental unit, treatment as fixed effect, and pasture(treatment) and steer(pasture) as random effects. Dry matter intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.70), but MOL-Y and MOL-W steers had greater (P = 0.05) overall ADG vs. CUB-Y steers. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for CUB-Y vs. MOL-W, and intermediate for MOL-Y. Serum titers against bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 and parainfluenza-3, hot carcass weight, REA, and YG did not differ (P ≥ 0.16) among treatments, but back fat thickness was greater (P = 0.03) for MOL-W vs. MOL-Y and CUB-Y. The percentage of carcasses grading Choice did not differ (P = 0.35) among treatments, but more carcasses tended (P = 0.08) to grade low Choice for MOL-W vs. CUB-Y and MOL-Y. Therefore, providing molasses/urea supplementation to mature beef cows during winter only or year-round increased steer post-weaning feedlot performance and carcass quality compared to steers born from cows offered year-round supplementation with range cubes.

COMPARISON OF ANABOLIC IMPLANTS ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION, PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS IN WEANED BEEF BULLS

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. GORDON ◽  
H. L. MILLER ◽  
D. H. GEE ◽  
D. P. EVENSON
Keyword(s):  
Chromatin Structure ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Sperm Chromatin ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Testicular Weight ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Beef Bulls

Sixty-six Angus bulls, averaging 7 mo of age and 282 kg were utilized to study the effects of implants on performance, carcass characteristics and reproductive function of intact males. Bulls were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, nonimplanted (N), 36 mg of Ralgro® (R), 220 mg of Synovex-S® (S) or 24 mg of Compudose® (C). Bulls remained on test for 217 d. Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Nonimplanted bulls had larger (P < 0.05) final scrotal circumference (39.0 vs. 37.7 cm) than S-implanted bulls, but were not different from R (38.8 cm) or C (38.6 cm) bulls. No differences were detected in sperm chromatin structure among treatment groups as determined by flow cytometry. There were no treatment differences in average daily gain, feed per gain, testicular weight, and testosterone or LH levels. Synovex implanted bulls had higher GH levels (P < 0.05) compared to N bulls, but were not different from C or R groups. Carcasses from C (331 kg) and S (332 kg) were heavier (P < 0.05) than those from R (307 kg) but not different from N (318 kg) animals. Fat thickness at the 12th rib was greater (P < 0.01) for S (11.6 mm) than N (9.0 mm), C (8.8 mm) and R (8.3 mm) treatments. The greater fat thickness of S bulls increased the yield grade compared to N and C (P < 0.05) and R-treated bulls (P < 0.01). Dressing percent was higher (P < 0.05) for C (63.2%) and S (62.6%) than R (61.7%) and N (61.0%) groups. No differences were detected for longissimus muscle area or USDA quality grades. Key words: Implants, beef bulls, sperm chromatin structure, carcass, hormones

scholarly journals Performance and body composition of young Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2453
Author(s):  
Ludmila Couto Gomes Passetti ◽  
Francisco de Assis Fonseca de Macedo ◽  
Alfredo Jorge Costa Teixeira ◽  
Anselmo Domingues Ferreira Santos ◽  
Alfredo Acosta Backes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Quantitative Characteristics ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Feed Costs

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of slaughter body weight on the quantitative characteristics of carcasses and the yield of commercial cuts of young Nellore bulls. Twenty-four non-castrated, 11-month-old, feedlot-fed Nellore bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design, in three treatments: 350 kg, 400 kg or 450 kg of body weight at slaughter (SBW). Slaughter was performed in a commercial slaughterhouse. The data were analyzed by an ANOVA followed by a Tukey test (p ? 0.05). SBW had no relationship with dry matter intake (6.05 kg/day or 75.74 g/kg BW0.75), feed efficiency (22.16) or feed conversion (4.67). Average daily gain was different depending on the SBW. Animal slaughtered at 350 kg had gained 1.17 kg/day, whereas animals slaughtered at 400 and 450 kg had gained 1.49 and 1.47 kg/day, respectively. Cold carcass weight increased with SBW (189.50, 209.33, and 242.39, respectively). Other carcass characteristics, like pH at 48 h (5.75), cold dressing carcass (52.61%), chilling losses (1.79%), fat thickness (5.54 mm), marbling (3.34 points), intramuscular fat (6.68%), longissimus muscle area (63.10 cm2) and sarcomere length (1.60 ?m), were not affected by SBW, but SBW increased cold carcass weight. The treatments had effects on the primary and commercial cut weights. However, the cut yields for the forequarter (39.84%), hindquarter (47.82%) and side-cut (12.34%), and the secondary cuts: chuck (14.38%), hump steak (1.94%), shoulder clod (16.97%), brisket point end (5.56%), neck steak (1.00%), striploin (7.77%), outside flat (5.30%), topside (9.36%), tenderloin (2.16%), flank steak (3.41%), eyeround (2.67%), rump tail (1.20%), rump eye (3.89%), shank (4.44%), knuckle (5.25%) and rump cap (1.40%), were not affected by SBW. SBW did not influence (p > 0.05) the commercial cut compositions for all cuts in the forequarter and hindquarter. Finishing young bulls in a feedlot is a strategy to produce beef with reduced feed costs. After all, the slaughter body weight (350, 400 or 450 kg) influenced the quantitative characteristics of the carcass; however, it did not affect the yield of commercial cuts from young Nellore bulls.

scholarly journals PSIV-B-28 Late-Breaking: Performance and carcass quality of Nelore bull’s progenies with contrasting traits for precocity, growth and muscularity

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 319-321
Author(s):  
Taiane S Martins ◽  
Juliana Silva ◽  
Lenise Mueller ◽  
Tamyres Amorim ◽  
Annelise Aila G Lobo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Nelore Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance and the carcass traits of Nelore cattle progenies from bulls selected by contrasting traits for precocity, growth and muscularity, through the Expected Progeny Difference (EPD). One hundred and five Nelore bulls (initial weight of 350kg±15kg) and 20 months of age were confined and fed with same diet (73% of concentrate). Thirty-two animals were selected to create the contrasting groups for precocity, growth and muscularity (16 animals assigned as a low EPD group - LEPD and 16 animals assigned as a high EPD group - HEPD), based on the EPD of their parents. The ribeye area and backfat thickness were performed by ultrasonography of 12–13th rib fat thickness and longissimus muscle area (LMA), as well as rump fat thickness (RF) measurements. Animals were harvested after 100 days and during the deboning, meat cuts were weight for cutting yield. The animals selected for the HEPD group had greater average daily gain (P = 0.006), which can be explained by the higher feed intake (P = 0.006). However, there are no difference between groups for the final body weight (P = 0.254) and feed efficiency (P = 0.715). The LEPD group presented higher dressing percentage (P = 0.028). Although the groups evaluated did not presented difference in LMA (P = 0.329) and weight of longissimus muscle (P = 0.480), the weight of rump displayed heaviest in the HEPD (P = 0.037). There was no difference between groups for RF (P = 0.086). Nevertheless, backfat thickness was higher in HEPD group (P = 0.006). The present study indicates that Nelore cattle progenies, with parents displaying higher potential for precocity, growth, and muscularity, show greater backfat thickness and weightiest of rump than the other genetic backgrounds. Thanks to FAPESP for the scholarship (Grant # 2017/02349–1).

scholarly journals Effect of monensin sodium associative to virginiamycin and/or essential oils on the performance of feedlot finished steers

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Julio Cezar Heker Junior ◽  
Mikael Neumann ◽  
Robson Kyoshi Ueno ◽  
Margarete Kimie Falbo ◽  
Sandra Galbeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Fat Thickness

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associative effect of monensin sodium to virginiamycin and/or essential oils on performance, consumption of nutrients and dry matter, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics of feedlot finished steers. The experiment lasted 106 days with 10 days of adaptation and 96-day trial, and had 32 crosses angus steers, average age 12 months and average weight of 376 kg, divided into 16 stalls, the weighing took place every 21 days and at the end of the experiment. The treatments consisted of the combination of the following additives to the diet included: Monensin sodium, 200 mg day-1 (MO); Monensin sodium, a dose of 200 mg day-1 + essential oil dose of 1.5g day-1 (MO+EO); Monensin sodium, a dose of 200 mg day-1 + virginiamycin, 200 mg day-1 (MO+VI); Monensin sodium, 200 mg day-1 + essential oil dose of 1.5g day-1 + virginiamycin day, 200 mg day-1 (MO+EO+VI), each treatment had four repetitions, where each repetitions consisted of a bay with two animals. The MO+VI association in relation to MO only increase in average daily gain (ADG) of 24.44%, 22.35%, 21.10% and 17.31% in weighing 42, 63, 84 and 96 days, similar the combination of MO+EO+VI which provided an improvement of 21.94%, 13.59%, 15.45% and 14.75% respectively in the same weightings. The daily carcass gain and carcass overall gain were higher in associations MO+VI and MO+EO+VI and provided an average gain of 16.67 kg more compared to MO and MO+EO. In the parameters feed efficiency, dry matter intake and nutrient expressed in kg day-1 and percentage of live weight were not observed differences (P > 0.05) between treatments. Data on apparent digestibility, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics did not show statistical difference between treatment, except for fat thickness which was higher when associated with any of the additives to the MO, and farm weight was higher in associations containing VI. Associating MO+VI or MO+EO+VI proved to be best in this work compared to MO+EO or only MO in the diets of steers in termination.

Different combinations of sodium monensin and virginiamycin during feedlot finishing of Nellore cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061
Author(s):  
A. L. N. Rigueiro ◽  
M. C. S. Pereira ◽  
M. M. Squizatti ◽  
M. M. Ferreira ◽  
S. C. Dondé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Proliferation Index ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Nellore Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain

Context The use of two feed additives, to maximise rumen fermentation, in finishing diets offered to feedlot cattle may positively impact performance. Aims This study, conducted at the São Paulo State University feedlot, Botucatu campus, Brazil, was designed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of monensin (MON; 30 mg/kg of dry matter; (DM)) and virginiamycin (VM; 25 mg/kg of DM) in high-concentrate diets during the adaptation and finishing periods on feedlot performance, carcass traits, feeding behaviour, blood gas profile, rumen morphometrics and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients of Nellore cattle. Methods The experiment was designed as a completely randomised block, replicated six times (3 bulls/pen), in which 72 20 months of age yearling Nellore bulls (388.0 ± 31.1 kg) were fed in 24 pens for 90 days according to the treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period (T1), (2) MON + VM during adaptation and only VM during the finishing period (T2), (3) MON + VM during the entire feeding period (T3), and (4) VM during the adaptation and MON + VM during the finishing period (T4). The adaptation program consisted of ad libitum feeding of three diets over the adaptation period of 19 days with concentrate level increasing from 69% to 84% of diet DM. Key results Overall, bulls fed on T2 had a greater DM intake (P &lt; 0.01), final bodyweight (P = 0.04), average daily gain (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P &lt; 0.01), final Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.05), Longissimus muscle area daily gain (P = 0.01), improved carcass G:F (P &lt; 0.01) and increased dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.01). Similarly, bulls fed on T2 were faster to consume 1 kg of either DM (P &lt; 0.01) or neutral detergent fibre (P &lt; 0.01) after 60 days on feed. Furthermore, bulls fed on T2 presented a greater (P = 0.05) cell proliferation index in the rumen papillae. Conclusions According to the results, Nellore yearling bulls should be fed high-concentrate diets containing MON and VM during adaptation, and only VM during the finishing period to improve overall feedlot performance. Implications The use of both MON and VM proved to be helpful only during the adaptation period.

scholarly journals Effects of various ractopamine hydrochloride withdrawal periods on performance, health, and carcass characteristics in yearling steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Tony C Bryant ◽  
Josh I Szasz ◽  
Lois F G Pringle ◽  
Eddie Crispe ◽  
K Shawn Blood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Withdrawal Period ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Ractopamine Hydrochloride

Abstract Ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) is a β-adrenergic agonist approved for feeding during the last 28 to 42 d prior to cattle slaughter to improve feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Three thousand crossbred yearling steers (527 ± 2.4 kg; AVG ± SD) were used in two periods to evaluate the effects of various RAC withdrawal times on feedlot performance, health, and carcass characteristics. In Period 1, 6 blocks of 30 pens totaling 1,500 steers were utilized, which was repeated for Period 2. In a randomized complete block design, cattle were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments consisting of 1) No RAC fed (CON), 2) 12-h RAC withdrawal (12-hRAC), 3) 2-d RAC withdrawal (2-dRAC), 4) 4-d RAC withdrawal (4-dRAC), and 5) 7-d RAC withdrawal (7-dRAC). Cattle were fed for a total of 62 d, and applicable treatments were supplemented with 30.0 ppm (dry matter basis) of RAC (average dose = 322 mg per steer per day) for 33 d at the end of the feeding period, corresponding to their respective withdrawal times. Initial body weight (BW) displayed a quadratic curve, with 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC withdrawal periods having the greatest BW. Accordingly, dry matter intake (DMI) responded quadratically (P = 0.034), with 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC treatments demonstrating the greatest DMI. No significant treatment differences (P ≥ 0.641) were observed in final live BW, average daily gain (ADG), or feed efficiency. Alternatively, when using a common dressing percentage to calculate live BW, cattle on RAC treatments exhibited 7.6 kg additional live BW (P &lt; 0.001) compared to CON cattle. Furthermore, carcass-adjusted ADG and feed efficiency did not differ (P &gt; 0.10) between RAC treatments but were improved compared to the CON treatment (P ≤ 0.002). Hot carcass weight (HCW) was on average 4.9 kg greater (P &lt; 0.001) for RAC treatments vs. CON, and no differences were detected (P &gt; 0.10) among RAC treatments. Within RAC treatments, carcass cutability responded quadratically (P ≤ 0.005) to withdrawal period, with the 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC treatments containing more Yield Grade 4 and 5 and fewer Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses than the other RAC treatments. On the basis of the results of this experiment, feeding RAC improves dressing percentage, HCW, and carcass-adjusted BW, ADG, and feed efficiency. Furthermore, extending the RAC withdrawal period to 7 d does not have a significant impact on cattle performance or health and has minimal effects on carcass characteristics.

scholarly journals Effects of steroidal implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and serum and meat estradiol-17β concentrations of Holstein steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Vilela Carvalho ◽  
George A Perry ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the blood and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (average initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg, 10 to 12 mo of age) were assigned to treatments: (i) implanted with 80 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 16 mg of E2 (Component TE-IS with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) at the start of the trial (day 0), and reimplanted with 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E2 (Component TE-S with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health) on day 84 of the experiment; or (ii) no implant. Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers in the middle (day 84) and at the end of the experiment (day 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P &lt; 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting gain-to-feed ratio compared with nonimplanted animals. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P &lt; 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle in implanted Holstein steers compared with that from nonimplanted Holstein steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) in serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations were not altered in nonimplanted Holstein steers, whereas E2 concentration increased (P &lt; 0.01) after steers were implanted, regardless of implant characteristics. Serum E2 peaked at 28 days after the first implant and then rapidly declined after day 56. In summary, steroidal implants administered on days 0 and 84 increased DMI, ADG, HCW, and LM area in Holstein steers compared with nonimplanted steers due to increased serum E2 concentrations. However, these changes did not improve feed efficiency or other carcass characteristics.

scholarly journals Relationships between residual feed intake and feedlot performance, profitability, and carcass traits in Brahman cattle

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Favero ◽  
I.Y. Mizubuti ◽  
R.C. Gomes ◽  
E.L.A. Ribeiro ◽  
E.S. Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Brahman Cattle ◽  
Fat Thickness

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the feedlot performance, profitability and carcass traits of Brahman bulls classified according to the residual feed intake (RFI). Twenty-four bulls (19-month old, 370±34kg live weight) were housed in individual pens for 54 days and had the daily feed intake (observed dry matter intake, DMIobs; DMI % live weight, LW) and average daily gain (ADG) measured. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed at the initial and final weighings, when measurements were taken of Longissimus dorsi area, ratio, Longissimus and Biceps femoris fat thickness. The animals were ranked and divided into high (>+0.5 standard deviation; SD), medium (between ±0.5 SD from the mean), and low (<-0.5 SD) RFI groups. Low-RFI animals had lower DMIobs (P<0.10) and DMI % LW (P<0.05). No significant differences in initial and final weight or ADG were noticed (P>0.05). Low-RFI animals showed lower weight gain cost and higher daily profit (P<0.05). Carcass traits were similar between groups, regardless of evaluation date (P>0.05). Selection for RFI lead to animals with lower feed intake without affecting weight gain or carcass traits, thereby providing increased profitability for beef cattle farming.

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