Influencia del nivel de suplementación sobre los rendimientos y características de la canal y la carne de terneros de raza Parda de Montaña cebados en pastoreo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of grazing Parda de Montaña young bulls with ad libitum (ADLIB) vs. restricted (3KG) concentrates during finishing on pasture (from 6.5 to 12 months). Growth rate was higher in ADLIB than in 3KG bulls (1.50 vs. 1.27 kg/d, respectively, P<0.05), due to a greater concentrate intake (6.3 vs. 2.7 kg DM/d, respectively), although grass intake was slightly lower than that of the 3KG group (5.9 vs. 7.2 kg DM/d, respectively). Slaughter weight was not different but ADLIB bulls had heavier carcasses (292 vs. 253 kg, P<0.01), with slightly better conformation score (11 vs. 10 in a 18-point scale, P=0.06) and backfat thickness (1.31 vs. 0.76 mm, P=0.07), but similar subcutaneous fat colour. Meat shear force and colour were similar for both groups and evolved similarly through the ageing period. Meat chemical composition was similar in both treatments, with only slight differences in individual fatty acid contents. The different feeding management resulted in different gains and carcass weights but did not influence meat quality.