Effects of feeding systems and breed group on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot goat kids

The goal was to evaluate if feeding systems with or without milk or breed groups can improve carcass characteristics, the proportion of tissues and meat tenderness of feedlot goat kids. Were used 56 animals from five different breed groups fed by experimental diet and milk according to the treatment., without milk or with 1,5 L milk/animal/day. The kid goats were slaughtered at 30 kg of live weight, and the carcass conformation and amount of fat were determined subjectively by visual assessment. Morphometric measurements and carcass and cut yields were performed. The Longissimus lumborum muscle was separated to determinate the area and subsequently it was used to evaluate the tenderness of the meat. The feeding system changes goat carcass characteristics, and goat kids fed milk until slaughter have better carcass yield and meat quality, as it anticipates the deposition of total fat, which can benefit carcass quality, given the scarcity of fat in the carcass of goats. The breed group also influences carcass characteristics. It is recommended the use of the Boer breed up to 3/4, since more than that it reduces leg yield and does not improve the compactness index and carcass conformation

Influence of toughness of Santa Inês lamb meat in consumer evaluation

A maciez é um importante atributo de qualidade para os consumidores de carne. No entanto, não há dados específicos do impacto da maciez da carne ovina de Santa Inês sobre a percepção dos consumidores brasileiros. Portanto, o objetivo foi verificar a avaliação do consumidor de carne ovina apresentando diferentes forças de cisalhamento. Foram utilizados oito cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, que receberam a mesma dieta de terminação. Estes animais tinham 5 a 6 meses de idade e pesavam de 30 a 35 kg quando foram abatidos e suas meias carcaças foram utilizadas para obtenção de 16 amostras de Longissimus dorsi (LD). Estas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente entre quatro diferentes processamentos pós-abate (PA). Os LD usados para a obtenção da Carne Endurecida (CE) foram retirados logo após o abate (0h) e as amostras para os demais tratamentos foram retiradas na desossa às 24h PA. O tratamento para CE consistia em embalar o LD e mergulhá-lo em água a 0° C por duas horas, e logo após congelá-la. Para a obtenção da Carne Fresca (CF), o LD foi retirado na desossa (24h PA), embalado e congelado. E alguns dos bifes obtidos às 24 horas foram embalados a vácuo e maturados a 1°C durante três ou sete dias, que compõem a condição de Carne Maturada (CM) pós-morte, CM3 e CM7, respectivamente. Os principais dados obtidos foram de comprimento do sarcômero (CS), força de cisalhamento (FC), índice de fragmentação miofibrilar (IFM), bem como a aceitação de maciez, suculência e qualidade global por parte de 50 consumidores não treinados, usando escala hedônica de nove pontos. O CS foi de 1,44 &mu;m para CE, significativamente (p<0,05) mais curto que observado para CF, CM3 e CM7, que não diferiram entre si, com valores de 1,84, 1,89, 1,85 &mu;m (SEM=0,09), respectivamente. A CE alcançou FC média de 7,2 kgf, significativamente (P<0,05) mais alta que os três valores similares de 3,3, 3,1, 2,4 (SEM=0,44) observados para CF, CM3 e CM7, respectivamente. Quanto à IFM, os processos pós-abate tiveram diferença entre CE e CM7 (p<0,05), com IFM de 76,2 e 130,5, enquanto a CF e CM3 não diferiram entre os processos com valores de 97,9; 115,6; (SEM= 11,41), respectivamente. As amostras de CE receberam pontuação significativamente mais baixa (P<0,01) para todos os quesitos avaliados na análise sensorial, sendo textura 5,43, suculência 6,51 e qualidade global 5,92, os demais tratamentos tiveram notas acima de 7 para todas as características, mas não diferiram entre si (P<0,01). Os consumidores foram capazes de perceber e avaliaram negativamente a maciez da carne de cordeiro que apresentou alta força de cisalhamento quando comparada com carnes com valores que as caracterizariam como macias. As avaliações de suculência e qualidade global acompanharam a percepção da maciez. Concluiu-se que os consumidores percebem e avaliam negativamente carne de cordeiro com alto valor de força de cisalhamento. No entanto, os dados obtidos não foram capazes de elucidar impacto de diferenças menores na força de cisalhamento entre amostras duras e macias sobre a aceitação do consumidor não treinado.Tenderness is an important meat quality trait for consumers. However, there is no specific data in the impact of Santa Inês lamb meat tenderness on Brazilian consumers perception. Therefore, objective was to verify the consumer evaluation of lamb meat with different shear force. We used eight Santa Inês lambs that were fed the same diet. These animals of 5 to 6 months of age and weighing 30 to 35 Kg were slaughtered and their half carcasses were used to obtain 16 samples of Longissimus dorsi (LD). These were randomly assigned among four diferent post-slaughter (PS) managements. The LD used for obtaining Toughened Meat (TM) were removed immediately after slaughter (0h ps) and samples for the other managements were obtained from boning at 24h PS. The samples from TM consisted in wrapping excised LD in plastic bag and dipping it into water bath with ice at 0°C for two hours, followed by freezing. Fresh Meat (FM) was obtained from LD removed at boning (24 hours postmortem), followed by wrapping and freezing. And some of steaks obtained at 24 hours were vaccumm packaged and aged at 1 °C for three or seven days, which compose the aging (A) postmortem, A3 and A7, respectively. The sarcomere length (SL), shear force (SF), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), as well as sensory analysis of tenderness, juiciness and overall quality acceptance by 50 not trained consumers using hedonic scale of nine points, were obtained. The SL was 1.44 &mu;m for TM, significantly (P<0.05) shorter than the other treatments. The values of 1.84, 1.89, 1.85 (SEM=0,09) &mu;m for FM, A3 and A7, respectively, didn\'t differ and are values normally reported for post-rigor lamb meat. MT reached an average 7.2 kgf for SF, significantly (P <0.05) higher than 3.3, 3.1, 2.4 (SEM= 0,44) observed for FM, A7 and A3, respectively. As for the MFI, post-slaughter processes had difference between TM and A7 (P<0.05), with IFM 76.2 and 130.5, while FM and A3 did not differ between cases with values 97.9; 115.6; (SEM = 11.41), respectively. Samples from TM received the lowest scores (P<0.01) for all items assessed in sensory analysis, and texture 5.43, juiciness 6.51 and overall quality 5.92, the other treatments were notes above 7 for all traits, but not significantly different (P<0.01). Consumers were able to understand and evaluate negatively the tenderness of lamb that showed high shear force compared to meat with values at low levels, which characterize as tender. It was concluded that consumers will perceive and evaluate negatively lamb meat with high shear force value. However, the results are not conclusive whether smaller differences between tough and tender meat would still have impact on not trained consumer acceptance

Implicações da nutrição de ovelhas gestantes sobre as miofibras e parâmetros sanguíneos da progênie

The objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of different energy levels, as well as different energy sources in the diet of the ewes during pregnancy and its impact on growth and metabolism of lambs. Seventy-two ewes were used and randomly distributed in 5 different experimental treatments: diet (CTL) with 100% of the energy recommended by the NRC (2007), low energy (LE) diet with 90% of the recommended energy, or even high energy diets (HE) with 110% of the recommended energy level. HE diets were composed of three different energy sources: starch (ST), starch with chromium propionate (STCR) ou starch with fat protected (STFP). These diets were applied at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy, and during lactation. The impact of the plane of ewe nutrition on progeny, weight was evaluated from birth at 60 days, and blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters and blood count of these lambs (males and females) at 60 days of age in the first stage (infant stage) of the work. In the second stage (ruminant stage), male lambs were weaned at 90 ± 15 days and placed in a feedlot, where they remained for 60 days receiving the same diet. The lambs\' weight was evaluated every 14 days, and blood samples were collected for biochemical parameters and blood count before slaughter. After slaughter, carcass parameters and meat quality were evaluated. As a result of the infant stage, lambs from ewes diet HE, regardless of the source, were heavier and had greater weight gain (P < 0.05). Lambs from a single gestation stood out in terms of weight and weight gain (P < 0.05), as well as having a higher blood concentration of creatinine, protein, albumin and globulin than twin lambs, regardless of maternal nutrition (P < 0.05). Lambs from ST diet, stood out in terms of creatinine concentration (P < 0.05), which is used as an indicator of muscle mass accumulation. In the ruminant stage in feedlot, lambs from ewe diet ST and a twin pregnancy showed a higher concentration of glucose (P < 0.05), whereas those coming from the LE maternal diet showed a higher concentration of urea (P < 0.05). The initial and final weight in the feedlot, as well as the weight of the hot and cold carcass, were higher for lambs from STCR and STFP maternal diets and those from a single gestation (P < 0.05). The dressing was higher for lambs from CTL maternal diet (P < 0.05). With the exception of thaw losses, which was lower for lambs from LE diet, and cooking losses, which was higher for lambs from a ewe diet STFP (P < 0.05), no meat quality parameters were affected. The results show the impact of changes in nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, on production and physiological parameters associated with progeny health. Alternative sources of energy or supplements in a high energy maternal diet, such as chromium, have the potential to improve production.O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de energia, bem como diferentes fontes de energia na dieta da ovelha durante a gestação e seu impacto no crescimento e metabolismo dos cordeiros. Setenta e duas ovelhas foram utilizadas e distribuídas aleatoriamente em 5 tratamentos experimentais diferentes: dieta (CTL) com 100% da energia recomendada pelo NRC (2007), dieta de baixa energia (BE) com 90% da energia recomendada, ou ainda dietas de alta energia (AE) com 110% do nível de energia recomendado. As dietas AE eram compostas de três fontes energéticas diferentes: amido (AEA), amido com propionato de cromo (AEAC) ou amido com gordura protegida (AEAG). Essas dietas foram aplicadas no começo e no final da gestação, e durante a lactação. Para avaliar as consequências dessa nutrição na progênie, na primeira etapa (fase lactente) do trabalho o peso dos cordeiros foi avaliado do nascimento aos 60 dias, e foram coletadas amostras de sangue para parâmetros bioquímicos e hemograma desses cordeiros (machos e fêmeas) aos 60 dias. Na segunda etapa (fase ruminante) os cordeiros machos foram desmamados com 90 ± 15 dias e colocados em confinamento, onde permaneceram por 60 dias recebendo a mesma dieta. O peso dos cordeiros foi avaliado a cada 14 dias, e amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas para parâmetros bioquímicos e hemograma antes do abate. Após o abate foram avaliados parâmetros da carcaça e de qualidade de carne. Como resultados da fase lactente, cordeiros provenientes de uma dieta AE, independente da fonte, foram mais pesados e tiveram maior ganho de peso (P < 0.05). Cordeiros de gestação simples se destacaram quanto ao peso e ganho de peso (P < 0.05), bem como apresentaram maior concentração sanguínea de creatinina, proteína, albumina e globulina do que os cordeiros gêmeos, independete da nutrição materna (P < 0.05). Cordeiros de dieta materna AEA, se destacaram quanto ao valor de creatinina (P < 0.05), que é usado como indicador de acúmulo de massa muscular. Na fase ruminante em confinamento, cordeiros de dieta materna AEA e de uma gestação gemelar apresentaram uma maior concentração para glicose (P < 0.05), já os que vieram da dieta materna BE apresentaram maior concentração de ureia (P < 0.05). O peso inicial e final do confinamento, bem como o peso da carcaça quente e fria foram maiores para cordeiros de dietas maternas AEAC e AEAG e aqueles de gestação simples (P < 0.05). O rendimento de carcaça foi maior para cordeiros de uma materna CTL (P < 0.05). Com exceção das perdas por descongelamento, que foi menor para cordeiros de BE, e perdas por cocção, que foi maior para cordeiros de dieta materna AEAG (P < 0.05), nenhum parâmetro de qualidade de carne foi afetado. Os resultados mostram impactos da alteração na nutrição durante a prenhês e lactação, sobre parâmetros de produção e fisiológicos associados à saúde da progênie. Fontes alternativas de energia ou suplementos em dieta materna de alta energia, como o cromo, tem potencial para melhorar a produção

Common factors method to predict the carcass composition tissue in kid goats

The objective of this work was to analyze the interrelations among weights and carcass measures of the longissimus lumborum muscle thickness and area, and of sternum tissue thickness, measured directly on carcass and by ultrasound scan. Measures were taken on live animals and after slaughter to develop models of multiple linear regression, to estimate the composition of shoulder blade, from selected variables in 89 kids of both genders and five breed groups, raised in feedlot system. The variables considered relevant and not redundant on the information they carry, for the common factor analysis, were used in the carcass composition estimate development models. The presuppositions of linear regression models relative to residues were evaluated, the estimated residues were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Student t test. Based in these results, the group of 32 initial variables could be reduced to four variables: hot carcass weight, rump perimeter, leg length and tissue height at the fourth sternum bone. The analysis of common factors was shown as an effective technique to study the interrelations among the independent variables. The measures of carcass dimension, alone, did not add any information to hot carcass weight. The carcass muscle weight can be estimated with high precision from simple models, without the need for information related to gender and breed, and they could be built based on carcass weight, which makes it easy to be applied. The fat and bones estimate models were not as accurate

Suplementação de concentrado na fase pré-parto no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de cabras mantidas em pastagem de capim-tobiatã (Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã)

Sixty goats (20 Alpine, 18 Anglo-Nubian, and 22 crossbred Boer), with average body weight 49.33 ± 1.41 kg, were raised on Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã pasture with two different levels of concentrate supplementation, 300 (SL30) and 600 g kg-1 (SL60) of the daily requirements, and evaluated from the pre-mating season until an average of 110 days of lactation. Milk controls were performed every 14 days. The following milk production curve parameters were estimated: time to reach peak milk production (TP), peak milk production (PP) and milk production during the first 110 days of lactation (MP). The following milk components were determined: fat, protein, lactose, total solids (TS), defatted dry extract (DDE), urea nitrogen (UN) concentrations, and somatic cell count (SCC). Goat prolificacy and birth weight of the kids were also determined. Breed affected the lactation curve, with Alpine and Anglo- Nubian goats presenting higher TP, PP, and MP. Protein, TS, and DDE concentrations were also affected by breed, being higher for crossbred Boer goats. Milk fat, lactose concentrations, and the log of SCC were affected by the concentrate supplementation level, being higher for SL30, as well as by the breed, with crossbred Boer goats presenting higher fat concentrations and log of SCC, and crossbred Boer and Alpine goats presenting higher lactose concentrations. UN was affected by the stage of lactation. Prolificacy and birth weight were affected by breed and concentrate supplementation level, being higher for Anglo-Nubian and crossbred Boer goats with SL60. Kids from single births presented higher birth weights. The Anglo-Nubian breed presented good milk production and the best body condition, which might indicate the effectiveness of this production system, SL60 supplementation resulted in higher birth weight and prolificacy.Foram utilizadas 60 cabras (20 Alpina, 18 Anglo-Nubiana e 22 mestiças Boer), com peso corporal médio de 49,33±1,41kg, mantidas em pastagem com Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã e suplementadas com dois níveis de concentrado: 300 (NS30) e 600 g kg-1 (NS60) das exigências diárias, avaliadas desde a pré-estação de monta, até, em média 110 dias de lactação. O controle leiteiro foi realizado a cada 14 dias, estimando-se as características da curva de produção: tempo para atingir o pico (TP), produção no pico (PP) e produção de leite até 110 dias de lactação (PL); os constituintes: gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais (ST), extrato seco desengordurado (ESD), nitrogênio ureico (NU) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS); além da prolificidade das cabras e o peso ao nascer dos cabritos. O grupo racial influenciou a curva de lactação, sendo que as Alpinas e Anglo-Nubianas apresentaram maior TP, PP e PL. Os teores de proteína, ST e ESD foram influenciados pelo grupo racial, tendo as mestiças Boer apresentado maiores teores. Os teores de gordura, lactose e o log da CCS foram influenciados pelo tratamento, sendo o NS30 com maiores valores, e pelo grupo racial, tendo as mestiças Boer apresentado maiores valores para teores de gordura e log da CCS, e as mestiças Boer e as Alpinas maiores valores para a lactose. O NU foi influenciado pelo estádio da lactação. A prolificidade e o peso ao nascer foram influenciados pelo grupo racial e tratamento, sendo que as Anglo-Nubianas e mestiças Boer do NS60 apresentaram melhores resultados. Os cabritos de partos simples tiveram maiores pesos ao nascer. A raça Anglo-Nubiana pode ser indicada para esse sistema de produção, pela boa produção de leite e melhor condição corporal. A suplementação NS60 favoreceu o peso ao nascer e a prolificidade

Efeitos do sistema de alimentação e grupo racial sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cabritos confinados

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of 2 feeding systems and 5 breeding groups on the growth performance, biometric features, and stomach morphology of feedlot goat kids. The experiment utilized gender as a randomized blocking factor in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme. The study goats were from the Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, 1/2 Boer x Alpine, 3/4 Boer x Alpine, and 7/8 Boer x Alpine breeds. Half of the goats were fed an experimental diet, whereas the other half were given the same diet supplemented with 1.5 L milk daily. The kids were slaughtered after they attained 30 kg body weight. The 1/2 Boer x Alpine goats showed superior growth performance because they exhibiting considerable heterosis. These animals are especially easy to use given that there is no need to maintain cross-bred females (½ Boer x Alpine e ¾ Boer x Alpine) in the flock. Using milk in the feed the animals does not adversely affect growth performance or biometric features. Moreover, it helps to reduce the total weight of the stomach and leads to a 51.39% savings on feed. Dietary supplementation of milk in goat feed is recommended so long as there is excess milk available on the property.O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de dois sistemas de alimentação e de cinco grupos raciais sobre o desempenho, medidas biométricas e análise morfológica do estômago de cabritos confinados. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos (gênero) casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo os grupos raciais: Alpino (A), Anglo-Nubiano (AN), 1/2 Boer x 1/2 Alpino (1/2BA), 3/4 Boer x Alpino (3/4BA) e 7/8 Boer x Alpino (7/8BA), submetidos a dois sistemas alimentares: 1,5 L de leite/animal/dia mais dieta experimental ou apenas dieta experimental sem fornecimento de leite. Os cabritos foram abatidos após atingirem 30 kg de peso corporal. Os animais 1/2BA foram os que apresentaram melhor desempenho, devido à manutenção de maior heterose nesse cruzamento e que implica em facilidade de manejo por não haver necessidade de manter fêmeas cruzadas 1/2 Boer x Alpine e 3/4 Boer x Alpine no rebanho. A utilização de leite na alimentação dos animais não traz prejuízos ao desempenho e medidas biométricas, e ajuda a reduzir o peso total do estômago, propiciando economia de 51,39 % no consumo da dieta, podendo ser recomendado caso haja leite excedente na propriedade